If the COVID-19 pandemic has taught us anything, it’s that broadband access is essential in Maine. Today, it’s not easy to get high speed internet in many of our rural communities, which makes learning and working from home harder. Broadband connectivity helps Maine’s economy by developing a strong workforce, encouraging innovation, attracting new residents and businesses. It also supports our students and seniors who are spending more time at home.
Join Bangor Daily News for this four-part virtual event series to hear from policymakers, business leaders, and educators who are charting the path forward for improving quality, cost, and availability of high speed internet in Maine. Topic experts will help us learn something new and highlight where we are as a state when it comes to broadband connectivity—and where we could be in the future. Hosted by Bangor Daily News reporters and editors, sessions will include ample time for audience questions and discussion.
Sessions include:
- February 18: Broadband Bond—What’s Next?
- February 24: Data Privacy, Security, & Accessibility
- March 10: Broadband’s Impact on Education
- April 22: Get Connected—Connectivity Options for Mainers
Series sponsors: GWI and Island Institute
About this event
Session 1: Broadband Bond — What’s Next?
We passed a bond in July to borrow $15 million to invest in high speed internet infrastructure, aka broadband. It’s the first ever bond investment of its kind in Maine. So…what’s next?
Guest speakers
- Nick Battista, chair of ConnectME
- Kendra Jo Grindle, senior community development officer at the Island Institute
- Japhet Els, director of outreach at AARP
- Charlie Woodworth, executive director of the Greater Franklin Development Council
