Bill to promote broadband access receives initial passage in House
Expansion of broadband access in the state will benefit Maine’s economic growth

AUGUSTA— The Maine House granted initial passage on a bill that will boost broadband access throughout the state.

“It is critical for the state to clearly define standards, goals and strategies to successfully move forward to increase broadband in Maine,” said bill sponsor Rep. Sean Flaherty, D-Scarborough. “The advancement of broadband access throughout the state is essential for economic development.”

The bill sets goals to expand broadband access throughout the state by outlining policies to create universal guidelines to accomplish these goals. Policies include, increasing availability to federal and private funding for broadband access, expanding computer ownership and developing opportunities for small business usage of broadband.

The legislation aims to educate Maine residents and business owners on benefits of broadband usage, such as online business reporting, online tax filing and national and global sales opportunities.

“In a rural state like Maine, it is imperative that our businesses can connect to worldwide markets, and broadband access is how we achieve that,” said Flaherty. “This bill will not only improve the process for individual companies, but it will greatly impact the entire state in an effort to promote continued and fiscal growth.”

This bill has the support of the Telephone Association of Maine, the business association supporting over 20 independent telephone companies who serve more than 150,000 phone lines statewide.