Internet Connectivity
Internet service has improved, but further investments are critical
No significant movement since the last available data
Benchmark: 95% of Maine homes and businesses will have access to high-speed internet by 2025.
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. COVID reinforced this in stark terms. Having reliable, fast internet became essential for professionals and students working and learning from home, often at the same time.
The Maine Connectivity Authority (MCA) is working to build internet infrastructure with growth capacity for high performance standards. In 2022, its target is 100 Mbps download and 100 Mbps upload. Evolving measurement and reporting practices make year-toyear comparisons difficult. In 2022, MCA estimates that 13% of Maine locations have access to 100/100 (“broadband internet”). Sixty-five percent have access to speeds of 100/20 or better (“high-speed internet”) but less than 100/100, and 22% can only access internet below 100/20 (defined as “unserved”).
Access varies greatly across Maine. Over 20% of locations in Knox, Penobscot, and Waldo counties have access to 100/100, compared to 2% or less in Androscoggin, Franklin, Piscataquis, Sagadahoc, and Somerset.
Fig. A
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Percentage of Maine Locations with Internet Access
Fig. B
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