Issue link: https://nebusinessmedia.uberflip.com/i/942429
W W W. M A I N E B I Z . B I Z 13 F E B R UA R Y 1 9 , 2 0 1 8 F O C U S C O M M U N I C AT I O N S & T EC H N O LO GY MAKING A POSITIVE IMPACT FOR MAINE Engineering | Environmental | Consulting | Construction | Management Augusta | Ellsworth | Scarborough | South Portland | @TRC_Companies | www.trcsolutions.com | "TRC's emphasis on training and personal development has given me the skills to be both an effective team player and a project leader." Kendra Wolfel Sr. Electrical Engineer "While solving tough project challenges for our clients, TRC has helped me gain new technical and leadership skills." Brendan Paradis Substation Engineer Broadband's Maine network to expand A sampling of what some broadband providers in Maine are doing to expand the internet's reach to remote areas — all say they are working to provide greater access (provider areas are as of 2016): Consolidated Communications (FairPoint): DSL in all 16 counties; fiber in York County Actively working toward completing Phase Two of the FCC's Connect America Fund Project, providing broadband services to 35,500 locations in rural Maine. [Representatives] have met with over 150 towns and local organiza- tions to review infrastructure, iden- tify best solutions for needs. Charter (Spectrum): Cable in all 16 counties Expanded to reach over 26,500 new locations over past five years Several expansion projects planned for 2018 Service passes 600,000 homes, businesses across 290 communities Starting speeds of 100 Mbps, faster for businesses TDS Telecom: DSL in Franklin, Hancock, Kennebec, Knox, Penobscot, Somerset; fiber in Penobscot Actively working on Connect America projects in Penobscot, Somerset counties Most rural customers in eligible areas will receive guaranteed speeds of 25 Mbps download, 3 Mbps upload; remaining custom- ers receive 10/1 and 4/1 Mbps under FCC agreement Not certified Maine competitive local exchange carrier, so can't address concerns outside desig- nated territories S O U R C E : Maine.gov, companies Maine has targeted seven technology sectors, including mature and emerging industries, for investment and other types of support: 1. Biotechnology 2. Composites and advanced materials 3. Environmental technologies 4. Forest products and agriculture 5. Information technology 6. Marine technology and aquaculture 7. Precision manufacturing 46% 70% 84% 93% aine's technology and communications sector is ever evolving. As reported elsewhere in this issue, building out the broadband network in Maine remains a high priority, but one fraught with challenges. Maine's network of support is widespread and, while there isn't a ton of money for startups and investment, the nightwork established by Maine Technology Institute has seven key sectors that is wants to grow. S TA R T I N G O N F O L L OW I N G PA G E » M 7 TARGET TECH SECTORS IN MAINE MAINERS WITH ACCESS TO HIGH SPEED INTERNET, BY INCOME <$20,000 $20,000–$49,999 $50,000–$74,999 $75,000+ S O U R C E : Maine Technology Institute S O U R C E : 2016–18 ConnectME strategic plan