St. John Valley broadband initiative seeks input from businesses, residents
Photo / Maureen Milliken
U.S. Route 1 in Van Buren, in Aroostook County. Residents and businesses in the the St. John Valley, in northern Aroostook County, are being asked to complete surveys about internet access.
The organizations working on improving broadband speeds and access in the St. John Valley are asking residents and business owners of northern Aroostook County to weigh in.
The Northern Maine Development Commission, working with Machias-based Axiom, has made surveys available as part of the first phase of a project, funded by a grant from ConnectME.
The development commission has been awarded more than $63,000 in planning grants from ConnectME.
According to BroadbandNow, 97.3% of Mainers have access to internet of 10 Mbps or more, but 13% are underserved as far as quality of connection. In Aroostook County, 89% have access to fixed wireless internet, and fiber optic internet is available to 7% of the county’s residents.
State and community officials throughout Maine have said the lack of broadband access, or adequate access, affects the state’s economy, from real estate sales and tourism to education to in-and-out migration.
Besides the surveys, the project’s first phase includes meeting with municipal and business leaders from the region, analysis of survey results and then sharing information gathered with ConnectME, which is a state government agency set up to help increase broadband access in the state.
The meetings with businesses and municipal leaders were held in August, said Alain Ouellette, planning and development division director for NMDC, in a news release. He said while the meetings helped the group gain valuable insight, more information is needed.
“The surveys are a valuable tool and what is gleaned from them will guide us onto Phase II of the project,” he said. Phase II will focus on an inventory of broadband infrastructure assets in the region and determine what the gap is between what exists and what the goals are, as well as including potential network designs, cost estimates operating models and business models.
One of the goals of the project, the news release said, is stressing digital inclusion — the availability of access, as well as the availability of hardware and software, content, services and training. “Our success with expanding and improving the level and extent of internet broadband services rest with your participation,” Ouellette said.
Both surveys are available online.
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