Broadband For All On The Blue Hill Peninsula
https://www.mainebroadbandcoalition.org/post/broadband-for-all-on-the-blue-hill-peninsula
MISSION STATEMENT
Peninsula Broadband for All
The PUB (Peninsula Utility for Broadband) advocates for fast, flexible, affordable and reliable internet to incentivize business, support schools, advance the quality of healthcare, connect homes and facilitate long term education and socialization of our rural communities.
THE PUB
The PUB is a coalition of town working groups that seeks to enhance the quality of life and develop opportunities in education, health care and job creation through significantly improved Internet built to address today, and more specifically, the future. The PUB represents all towns on the Blue Hill Peninsula/Deer Isle/Stonington, to include: Blue Hill, Brooklin, Brooksville, Castine, Deer Isle, Penobscot, Sedgwick, Stonington, Surry and Orland.
We meet monthly to share information and discuss opportunities for the Peninsula-wide and Island communities, with collaboration to more effectively work common issues and coordinate meeting attendance, consolidate resource documentation, share planning development and insights, as well as lessons learned from the group and others.
The PUB's focus is on synergizing efforts of the communities represented, as well as the efforts of other state and national groups working toward the same or similar goals. Each committee/working group and their associated town will educate and advocate Broadband/Internet service, which is affordable and available to all.
synergizing = combine or coordinate the activity of (two or more agents) to produce a joint effect greater than the sum of their separate effects.
We meet monthly to share information and discuss opportunities for the Peninsula-wide and Island communities, with collaboration to more effectively work common issues and coordinate meeting attendance, consolidate resource documentation, share planning development and insights, as well as lessons learned from the group and others.
The PUB's focus is on synergizing efforts of the communities represented, as well as the efforts of other state and national groups working toward the same or similar goals. Each committee/working group and their associated town will educate and advocate Broadband/Internet service, which is affordable and available to all.
synergizing = combine or coordinate the activity of (two or more agents) to produce a joint effect greater than the sum of their separate effects.
Transparency & Equity - for people and towns
|
Help Maine Connectivity Authority (MCA) gather data on Cellular Service in Maine
Go to: https://www.maineconnectivity.org/cellular-plan |
Internet access takes more than having a connection
The importance of online communication should be a reminder of the digital divide that keeps many people from accessing the information, services and education they need. See: Tech Help for ME |
Things you should know.
1. "Wi-Fi is a wireless networking technology that allows devices such as computers (laptops and desktops), mobile devices (smart phones and wearables), and other equipment (printers and video cameras) to interface with the Internet." WIFI is not the technology that brings you the Internet. Computers, smartphones, routers, cars, etc. can provide WIFI, a wireless only technology similar to Bluetooth.
2. The FCC's definition of Broadband is 100Mbps/20Mbps and in Maine it's 100Mbps/100Mbps. As such, STARLINK does not provide Broadband Service!
3. Fiber is the only medium that can provide Broadband & symmetrical service. STARLINK, Hughesnet, Viasat, Hotspots, Spectrum CATV... can't provide it
4. If you have poor cellular service at home, use "WIFI Calling" on your phone and your Fiber connection. To Turn ON "WIFI Calling" on your smartphone go to Cell Settings.
1. "Wi-Fi is a wireless networking technology that allows devices such as computers (laptops and desktops), mobile devices (smart phones and wearables), and other equipment (printers and video cameras) to interface with the Internet." WIFI is not the technology that brings you the Internet. Computers, smartphones, routers, cars, etc. can provide WIFI, a wireless only technology similar to Bluetooth.
2. The FCC's definition of Broadband is 100Mbps/20Mbps and in Maine it's 100Mbps/100Mbps. As such, STARLINK does not provide Broadband Service!
3. Fiber is the only medium that can provide Broadband & symmetrical service. STARLINK, Hughesnet, Viasat, Hotspots, Spectrum CATV... can't provide it
4. If you have poor cellular service at home, use "WIFI Calling" on your phone and your Fiber connection. To Turn ON "WIFI Calling" on your smartphone go to Cell Settings.
Digital Equity funding has been cut by $35 million in Maine - The Trump Administration - calls digital access initiatives ‘racist’
- Portland Press Herald
"Congress identified eight “covered populations” to focus broadband adoption and digital skills programs on.
Historically, many of these groups have had lower rates of technology adoption.... "
1. Low-income individuals (annual incomes of $30,000 or less)...
2. People 65 & over...
3. Incarcerated individuals...
4. Veterans...
5. Those with a disability....
6. Individuals with a language barrier...
7. Individuals who are of a racial or ethnic minority group...
8. While individuals who primarily reside in rural areas...
- Portland Press Herald
"Congress identified eight “covered populations” to focus broadband adoption and digital skills programs on.
Historically, many of these groups have had lower rates of technology adoption.... "
1. Low-income individuals (annual incomes of $30,000 or less)...
2. People 65 & over...
3. Incarcerated individuals...
4. Veterans...
5. Those with a disability....
6. Individuals with a language barrier...
7. Individuals who are of a racial or ethnic minority group...
8. While individuals who primarily reside in rural areas...
See Opportunities & Tips Below
|
|