April 25, 2021
Broadband talk is finally connecting with more significant investment
Broadband is having a moment, both here in Maine and at the federal level. State and local officials have been talking about broadband expansion for a long time. The discussion and the demonstrated need surrounding high-speed internet access — a need that is particularly great in Maine’s more rural areas — have far outmatched the public investment. It’s possible that the tide could now be turning. The ConnectMaine Authority, the state entity tasked with supporting broadband development across Maine, has projected that it could cost $600 million to expand broadband to 95 percent of…
April 21, 2021
Turn off the lights, buy local, ride your bike: How to make every day Earth Day
The world celebrated its first Earth Day on April 22, 1970, and for its 51st anniversary local environmentalists and leaders were hoping to spread around their suggestions for how they…
April 12, 2021
Art prompts spur community to get creative during Artists & Makers Week
ROCKLAND—As mud season is full underway, little pops of color in nature are turning up on roadsides and gardens. As part of Artists & Makers Week hosted by the Island…
April 6, 2021
Artist & Makers Week goes virtual for the creative economy
ROCKLAND—The Island Institute and its retail store, Archipelago are champions of the Midcoast’s creative economy and sponsors of the past in-person Artist and Makers Conferences. This year due to the…
February 21, 2021
Maine can’t afford a fractured approach to expanding internet access
As with many other services and policy discussions, the COVID-19 pandemic has both emphasized and magnified the need to expand broadband access. That may sound trite, but it’s true. Internet…
February 18, 2021
After 18 years, Island Institute leader Rob Snyder steps down
The longtime leader at the Island Institute is moving on from his 18-year tenure with the Rockland nonprofit, eight of those as president. Rob Snyder will leave at the end…
January 12, 2021
Broadband mapping money in Mills' budget hailed by business, development leaders
Gov. Janet Mills' proposal to add $1.8 million to Maine's supplemental budget, earmarked for mapping and technical support, is being hailed by business and development leaders as necessary to help…
December 30, 2020
Broadband expansion a challenge
SULLIVAN — The $900 billion coronavirus relief bill President Trump signed on Dec. 27 includes $7 billion to help expand broadband access. The funding, which includes a subsidy of up to $50…
December 15, 2020
Broadband advocates ready to award projects with bond money
Maine voters in July approved a $15 million bond for broadband expansion projects, and the first proposals are expected next month.
Last month, the Mills administration awarded $5.6 million in federal coronavirus relief funds to connect more than 700 students and teachers in rural Maine with high-speed internet service to support…
December 15, 2020
Maine Chamber of Commerce hosts webinar on future of rural broadband
BANGOR, Maine (WABI) - The Maine State Chamber of Commerce held a webinar today about the future of high-speed internet access. Government, civic, and industry leaders discussed the challenges and…
