Senate unanimously supports Sen. Vitelli bill to bring broadband connectivity to rural communities
AUGUSTA – On Tuesday, the Senate approved a bill from Sen. Eloise Vitelli, D-Arrowsic, to help expand high-quality, reliable internet access to more underserved Maine communities. An amended version of LD 1894, “An Act To Support Municipal Broadband Infrastructure through Incentives and Competition,” received a unanimous vote of support.
“It’s clear that an internet connection is no longer optional for most of us. It’s how we keep in touch with our friends, grow our businesses, get help from our doctors and understand what’s happening in the world around us. But for people who live in small, rural parts of Maine, getting affordable, reliable, high-speed internet in their homes and communities remains a real challenge,” said Sen. Vitelli. “This bill will help open the door to bring connectivity to Mainers who have so far been left behind. It’s a big step forward for Maine’s people and economy, and I’m grateful to my colleagues for their support.”
LD 1894 would make more resources available to consumer-owned public utilities that want to bring connectivity to underserved residents and businesses. The bill makes changes to the Municipal Gigabit Broadband Network Access Fund by allowing the Fund to provide matching funds to municipalities that are seeking grants from other sources that require fund matching, as many federal and other grants do. Municipalities that are awarded this funding must provide connectivity to any underserved community anchor institution in the project area, like libraries or town offices, so that residents without internet connectivity at home may still access it nearby.
The bill also requires consumer-owned public utilities seeking to expand into the provision of broadband services to register with the Public Utilities Commission. Finally, it directs the ConnectMaine Authority, the Public Utilities Commission and the Office of the Public Advocate to work together to develop standard charter provisions that water districts may use to develop legislation that would authorize them to operate or provide broadband.
“This bill helps small, rural towns make informed choices about building out internet capacity, either by paying these cable companies to extend their lines to make it more accessible to residents in underserved areas, or by investing in new town-wide fiber systems,” said Rep. Allison Hepler, D-Woolwich. “Because each community’s needs are different, this bill allows for flexibility. One size does not fit all. For this to happen, small towns need access to resources. This bill provides some avenues for that, including match funding, which would be a huge benefit.”
“Having quality broadband means access to remote work and learning opportunities, access to health care via telehealth, and increased economic opportunities for current and future businesses,” said Rockland Mayor Ed Glaser on behalf of the Maine Mayors’ Coalition in testimony supporting LD 1894. “Too many communities have limited or no choices for broadband. Opening these funds to create new networks would provide residents and local businesses with alternatives that will spur additional competition while expanding access.”
The bill faces further votes in the Legislature.
