Washington County...Connected

All Things Broadband in Washington County

(and Beyond)!

The Benton Institute for Broadband & Society reports that half of the households eligible for the Affordable Connectivity Program are unaware that they are eligible for $30 off their monthly internet bill ($75 for households on qualifying Tribal lands).

31% said they would be likely to apply if they knew whether they qualified. Now there is an easy way to find out if you qualify!

 NDEC offers free digital skills classes to all Maine residents. The classes are available in an online, interactive format, or with the help of community partners such as libraries, adult education programs, older adult organizations, and community programs, the classes can be held at a host location in a community.

All it takes to bring any, or all, of their digital skills classes to a community is a conference room to project an NDEC instructor via Zoom to the participants in the room, and one or more individuals at the host location (partner) to serve as an NDEC Volunteer Class Facilitator. If you do not have someone at your location to facilitate a class, let NDEC know and their Washington County Digital Navigator may be able to help.

How can better internet access help grow economic opportunities in your community? What would your life look like with a reliable, fast, and affordable broadband connection?

Share your priorities with MCA now, so your needs are represented in the Broadband Action Plan

US DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (USDA) ANNOUNCES BROADBAND FUNDING OPPORTUNITY

Community Connect provides financial assistance to eligible applicants that will provide broadband service in rural, economically-challenged communities where service does not exist. Rural areas that lack any existing broadband speed of at least 10 Mbps downstream and 1 Mbps upstream are eligible. Matching funds of at least 15% from non-federal sources are required and can be used for operating costs

If your community is considering its options, or ready to get started on broadband improvements, Sunrise County Economic Council is here to assist communities across Washington County. 

SCEC can assist with forming a committee, providing community surveys, locating grant funding, and more!