Immediate action is needed to ensure affordable internet is available in Maine

Maine faces a historic opportunity to make reliable, high-speed internet available to everyone in the state, no matter where they live or their circumstances.

However, access depends on more than just wires, poles and other infrastructure. It also depends on ensuring that internet service is affordable and that all Mainers have the tools and skills to use it.

I’m proud to say that Maine is the first state in the country to receive approval for its digital equity program from the National Telecommunications and Information Administration. This approval is the first step in unlocking federal funds that can help Maine people – including Maine seniors, veterans, low-income families, tribal communities, people in rural areas and others who face additional barriers – Connect to the Internet.

The plan was developed in close collaboration with stakeholders, partner organizations and public engagement, including a statewide survey. Through this work, MaineConnect found that 47% of Mainers said they had trouble paying for internet service. We also found that 93% of Mainers say they are concerned about internet safety, especially seniors and children, and that many lack the technical skills needed to take advantage of technology. Across all focus groups, people struggled to find resources they could rely on to help them stay safe online, and most relied on family members for technical support when problems occurred with their devices.

AARP Maine, on behalf of the state’s 200,000 members, applauds the approval of Maine’s plan to expand high-speed internet access and adoption throughout the Pine Tree State. High-speed internet is not a luxury. For older Mainers, this is a necessity. Better connectivity enables more seniors to navigate online government services, participate in virtual health care, find and maintain employment, meet daily needs and connect socially. In short, it will improve quality of life and help seniors age safely.

The plan is Maine’s blueprint for eliminating the digital divide in our state. Several key strategies to reduce barriers to Internet access have been identified.

The Maine Connect Authority will continue to improve broadband access by providing grants for local and regional projects. The authority will also continue to have a strong focus on affordability, ensuring Mainers have budget-friendly connectivity options.

The plan calls for public-private partnerships to provide affordable, internet-enabled devices and provide technical training so individuals feel safe, secure and confident when using them. Additionally, the plan once again focuses on delivering government resources and programs online.

Finally, the plan calls for the creation of the Maine Digital Equity Fund, which would combine private philanthropic support with federal funding to help achieve the goal of fully connecting Maine people.

While developing this comprehensive plan is a laudable start, we still have much work to do. AARP Maine looks forward to working with the Maine Connectivity Authority and other key stakeholders to successfully implement this program.

We must continue to work to ensure that people have affordable internet service no matter where they live. As Maine’s plan shows, wires alone won’t solve the connectivity problem. That’s why AARP remains committed to continuing the federal Affordable Connectivity program, which provides direct support to Maine people to help them afford internet service.

Currently, qualifying households can receive a monthly discount of $30 to $75 on their premium internet bill. For many families, this covers the entire cost of their services.

However, the program is at risk of running out of funds in April. As Maine works with regional and tribal partners to close the digital divide, we hope Congress will maintain this important program. Older Mainers are counting on immediate action.