Internet Connectivity

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In 2023, 86% of Maine locations have either average or broadband internet, up 8%.

Favorable movement since the last available data

Benchmark: 95% of Maine homes and businesses will have access to high-speed internet by 2025.

Overview Fig. A

Overview

High-speed internet is vital to participation in the global economy and modern society, and critical for communities seeking to attract and retain businesses and residents. The Maine Connectivity Authority (MCA) is working to expand access to reliable, high-speed, and affordable internet service statewide.

MCA estimates that 25% of Maine locations currently have access to internet that provides 100 Mbps download and 100 Mbps upload (“100/100” or “broadband internet”) or higher. Sixty-one percent have access to speeds of 100/20 to 100/100 (“average service”) but less than 100/100, and 14% can only access internet below 100/20 (below 100/20 “unserved”). While this represents a positive trend toward increased connections for Mainers, internet access is still unevenly distributed across the state. For instance, over one-third of locations in Knox, Penobscot, and Piscataquis counties have access to 100/100 or higher, compared to just 7% in Oxford.

Fig. A

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High-Speed Internet Service by County (100 Mbps download/upload)