Topic: Community Infrastructure

Due the logistical challenges attached with rurality and the lack of incentive for private investment, certain communities face hurdles when implementing the infrastructure that other communities take for granted like high speed internet or affordable energy.

What Works Solution

Work with an incumbent provider

Rural communities in Maine often have very small populations and sometimes have a hard time getting attention from incumbent service providers. The communities of Frenchboro, Matinicus, Isle Au Haut, and Swan's Island came together as a group with the Island Institute to coordinate shared goals and meet with their incumbent… SEE MORE

What Works Solution

Request for information

An RFI or RFP process can provide more options for improving connectivity. Once you have a handle on (most of) your community's broadband goals and existing infrastructure, using a Request-For-Information (RFI) process is a great way to solicit creative solutions to leveraging that existing infrastructure and improving internet connectivity. If… SEE MORE

What Works Solution

Consider regional and policy context

Being aware of the regional and policy around broadband can lead to the discovery of additional resources and opportunities, as well as help to anticipate any obstacles or challenges that might be faced as the community pursues better internet connectivity. Putting together community meetings or a regional conference is a… SEE MORE

What Works Solution

Communicate with Stakeholders

Frequent and transparent communication helps maintain community support. The Fox Islands Broadband Task Force wanted a place where they could share their progress on exploring current and future broadband needs and options with the residents of North Haven and Vinalhaven. As a Facebook page, they also post events, and share… SEE MORE

What Works Solution

Identify community priorities

Community surveys can help identify community priorities around broadband. The Swan’s Island Broadband Committee needed to figure out where the internet service gaps were located so they could focus improvement efforts in the most effective way possible. They also realized the need for broader community awareness around broadband, in order… SEE MORE

What Works Solution

Form a broadband working group

Broadband working groups can help distribute the hard work it takes to bring broadband to a community. Like any community project, successfully improving internet connectivity takes the efforts of more than just one person. Forming a broadband working group, task force, or committee is a great way to pursue broadband… SEE MORE

What Works Solution

Chebeague Transportation Company

BACKGROUND Chebeague Transportation Company (CTC) was founded in 1970, and although the islands of Casco Bay have been served by the ferries of Casco Bay Lines for over 150 years, CTC filled a market gap for islanders and visitors alike. The trip from the Portland Casco Bay Lines ferry terminal to Chebeague is… SEE MORE

What Works Solution

Monhegan Boat Line

BACKGROUND Monhegan Boat Line operates out of Port Clyde and has been serving the small island of Monhegan in one form or another since 1914. In addition to serving the needs of the year-round community, Monhegan Boat Line carries a large number of “day trippers” and other visitors to the… SEE MORE

What Works Solution

Isle Au Haut Boat Services

BACKGROUND Like most ferry operations, Isle au Haut Boat Services was created out of necessity. Prior to the 1970s, it was operated by a local captain with the time and resources to ferry islanders back and forth from Isle au Haut to Stonington. It was then purchased by a seasonal family… SEE MORE

What Works Solution

Portland’s Vulnerable Downtown

BACKGROUND Portland, the state’s largest city, is and always has been intimately connected to water. As the largest tonnage seaport in New England, its deep water harbor attracts commercial vessels from all over the world – as well as recreational boats of all stripes, from sailboats to kayaks. And today,… SEE MORE