Broadband Resources
Broadband Resources
GrowSmart Maine works in partnership with other organizations to achieve our goal of expanding broadband access and increasing digital equity.
Maine Broadband Coalition Maine Broadband Coalition (MBC) is a network of public policy wonks, educational advocates, businesses, non-profit organizations, government agencies, and individuals who care deeply about Maine’s digital future. MBC believes in the power of community-driven broadband planning, evidence-based policy making, and multi-organizational collaboration to enable reliable, accessible, and affordable high-speed internet for everyone. GrowSmart Maine is a member of MBC. Nancy Smith, CEO of GrowSmart Maine, chairs the Maine Broadband Coalition Policy Committee.
Maine Connectivity Authority (MCA) Established in 2021, MCA is a quasi-governmental agency charged with achieving universal access to affordable high-speed broadband in Maine.
MCA focuses on projects, places, and people, to expand access to reliable, high-speed, and affordable internet service statewide to advance digital equity for all people in Maine. MCA supports GrowSmart Maine’s Regional and Tribal Broadband Partner.
Test your speed Curious about your internet speed? Take this simple test to help define and advance broadband infrastructure improvement throughout Maine.
Online training in Maine:
The National Digital Equity Center is headquartered in Bath, Maine, and serves communities in Maine and nationwide with digital skills training including online classes, group classes at a public location, and planning resources to expand digital equity and digital literacy.
Affordable devices for nonprofits and eligible residents:
Give IT. Get IT. is a certified electronics recycling and sells refurbished devices like laptops and tablets to nonprofit organizations and eligible individuals.
Defining digital terms and abbreviations
Want to know the difference between HTTP and HTTPS? Confused about what is a URL or an IP Address?: Check out 20 Internet Terms for Beginners
Broadband 101 Download a PDF of broadband terminology.
Internet Speeds to Meet Your Needs Download a PDF.
Learn more about broadband initiatives and programs:
News and Updates
Kennebec County Digital Equity and Digital Inclusion Plan
GrowSmart Maine and the Kennebec County Digital Equity Working Group submitted to Maine Connectivity Authority a Digital Equity and Digital Inclusion Plan. This is the first draft of a working plan to understand the barriers people face in connecting to our digital...
You could lower your internet bill by $30 a month!
Maine residents who earn less than 200% of FPL or who receive government benefits quality for a reduced internet bill.
Update: Community Broadband Meeting
GrowSmart Maine hosted a community meeting at the Augusta Multicultural Center in early April to hear about the experiences of people using the internet and the barriers they may face to being digitally connected.
Kennebec County Community Broadband Mtg. in Augusta Tues. 4-11-23 @5:30 pm
Kennebec County Residents are invited to a Community Meeting to add your voice to Maine's Broadband Action Plan. Date: Tuesday, April 11, 2023 Time: 5:30 - 7 :00 pm Location : Augusta Multicultural Center (Capital Area New Mainers Project) Address: 70 State St.,...
Take Maine’s Broadband Survey!
The State of Maine, through the Maine Connectivity Authority, is developing a Broadband Action Plan to decide how $250 million in federal funds should be used to expand access to high-speed internet and ensure that we all have what we need to connect to the digital...
Join Kennebec County Digital Equity Working Group
The Kennebec County Broadband Partnership is creating a Digital Equity and Inclusion Plan and we need your help!
Everything You Wanted To Know About Broadband (But Were Afraid To Ask)
As the Maine Connectivity Authority gears up to help achieve Governor Mills's promise that "every person in Maine who wants a reliable and affordable internet connection can have one by the end of 2024," we thought you might appreciate this article "Everything You...
Correct the Dots!
The Maine Connectivity Authority needs your help! January 13th, 2023 is the last day to submit challenges to the FCC maps that will help determine Maine's Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program allocation. Visit MCA's Correct the Dots page below for...