Maine reaches key milestone for expanding reliable broadband
Maine Connectivity Authority, the public agency leading statewide broadband expansion and digital equity in Maine, is seeking proposals from qualified technical and construction experts to design and construct a 536-mile fiber optic network across the state of Maine. The Maine Online Optical Statewide Enabling Network, or MOOSE Net, will serve as the backbone for expanded internet connectivity as a part of Maine’s commitment to bridge the digital divide and build infrastructure that will create long-term public benefit.
“Amidst all of the tremendous work Maine is doing to connect everyone to a reliable high-speed internet, MOOSE Net represents one of the most profound ways we can prepare our digital infrastructure to support the growth and evolving needs of our communities,” said Andrew Butcher, president, Maine Connectivity Authority. “Selecting the right partners to bring this vision to life is essential.”
This middle mile network will expand the state’s ability to provide connections for homes, businesses, and public safety and community anchor institutions like schools, libraries, and health care facilities. Middle mile is made up of high-capacity fiber that carries large amounts of data at high speeds over long distances and other telecommunications infrastructure. MOOSE Net is critical to supporting Maine’s remote industries like farming, forestry, fishing, and the outdoor economy, enabling expanded cellular service, and underpinning climate adaptation needs.
“We appreciate this important investment in Washington County. MOOSE Net will reach some of our region’s most underserved communities. It is a critical first step in building out the networks we need to connect the residents of interior Washington County with high speed, affordable internet,” said Charles Rudelitch, executive director, Sunrise County Economic Council.
To date, MCA has conducted the federally required environmental and historic review process, engaged the Maine Municipal Bond Bank, and worked with regional partners to prepare for construction. Since posting the RFP, MCA has received nearly 30 letters of intent and expects the bidding process to be highly competitive. Various Maine-based and national-scale companies will be awarded parts of the design and build work based on cost, timeline, environmental impact, expertise and knowledge. Applicants will also be scored on the ability to build and attract a local workforce, including line workers, fiber optic technicians, and construction and earthwork companies.
“MOOSE Net will help drive the expansion of wireless technology and infrastructure by bringing fiber connections to the more remote areas of Maine,” said Stephanie Cassioppi, senior director of government affairs at UScellular. “We look forward to continuing our collaboration with MCA to advance digital equity and ensure that all Maine residents have access to public safety, precision agriculture, education, telehealth and all the benefits that connectivity provides.”
MCA was awarded a $30 million federal grant in 2023 for MOOSE Net by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration in a highly competitive process. In partnership with the Maine Department of Transportation, University of Maine System, Maine Office of Information Technology and Network Maine; it was one of 32 proposals selected out of 260 applicants.
Through MOOSE Net, MCA is fulfilling its commitment to expand reliable internet options for all Maine people and to build ‘future-proof’ broadband infrastructure that will unlock opportunities for Maine’s economic development. Since 2022, MCA has facilitated over $200 million of federal and state funding to help connect over 86,000 locations in Maine to affordable high-speed internet. In the coming year, MCA will deploy an additional $270 million in funding through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and the Maine Jobs and Recovery Program.
The RFP process closes on Sept. 30 and all partners will be selected by late October. Designs will be completed and presented to MCA in early 2025.