The University of Maine is working to bring high-speed broadband to its Orono neighbors as part of a national effort called “Gig.U.” UMaine plans to partner with the area’s private sector to deploy Internet at speeds several hundred times faster than what’s currently available in Orono, Old Town and nearby communities, according to a press […]
The University of Maine is working to bring high-speed broadband to its Orono neighbors as part of a national effort called "Gig.U."
UMaine plans to partner with the area's private sector to deploy Internet at speeds several hundred times faster than what's currently available in Orono, Old Town and nearby communities, according to a press release from the university. Gig.U, a coalition of 36 other colleges located in areas lacking high-speed connectivity, including the universities of Nebraska and Oklahoma, recently invited the private sector to work with UMaine and the rest of the coalition to develop broadband in the area.
UMaine is the first university in New England to join the coalition."Broadband access is increasingly critical in contemporary society, with significant implications for economic development, education and quality of life," UMaine President Paul Ferguson said in the release. "We look forward to working with collaborators to forge even stronger connections with the neighboring communities that depend on meaningful linkages with the University of Maine."
Through a request for information, UMaine and the coalition will seek input from university communities, Internet service providers and other entities, with responses due Nov. 9.