ConnectME Authority Announces First Round of Grants

The ConnectME Authority has awarded seven grants to expand broadband and mobile communications services to unserved and underserved areas in Maine. A total of more than $787,000 has been awarded to the recipients, expanding services to an estimated 14,400 residents.

Governor Baldacci, in conjunction with the Legislature, created the ConnectME initiative in 2006 to expand broadband and cellular infrastructure throughout Maine. The grants were awarded Oct. 31.

"The ConnectME initiative is spurring private investment in broadband and cellular service in Maine. These investments are enabling people in rural areas enhanced access to technology, transforming our state economy, and expanding business opportunities for more Mainers," said Baldacci.

Grant applications were judged based on a number of criteria, including the projected percentage of households that would be served; the level of public-private partnerships created; the level of community support for the projects; and the financial viability of the projects. Generally, successful projects are to be completed within one year of receiving the grant funding.

Created under the Connect ME legislation, the Authority contains five members representing the public and private sphere. The ConnectME Authority is established to stimulate investment in advanced communications technology infrastructure in unserved or underserved areas.

"We were pleased to receive seventeen great, and creative, applications and were able to select seven to receive funding which in turn will bring broadband service to over fifty communities that had little prospect of receiving service," said Phil Lindley, Acting Executive Director of the ConnectME Authority. "The applications were competitively scored by a review team that said the decision was made more difficult by the quality of the applications and the high level of interest," he added.

Applicant, Communities Served or Service Provider Partner

• Midcoast Internet Solutions, Town of Edgecomb

• Somerville, Town of, Midcoast Internet Solutions

• Monson, Town of, Cornerstone Communications

• Chebeague.net, Inc., Chebeague Island and Mainely Wired

• Cornerstone Communications, 25 Communities in Piscataquis County

• Axiom Technologies/Mitton Mtn, 18 Communities in Washington County

• Redzone Wireless, Mount Desert and Cranberry Isles

The ConnectME Authority expects to conduct another round of grant awards next summer, based on funding availability.