Santa Claus Prepares to Greet Kids of All Ages Aboard the Polar Express on Opening Day – November 16, 2025. It Runs Unti Saturday, December 27 on the Portland Waterfront, But Withut the Use of Steam Engine # 7 For the First Year Ever.
After three years of planning, analysis and collaboration with the federal government, Maine Connectivity Authority (MCA) is proud to announce that Maine’s BEAD Final Proposal has been approved by the National Telecommunication and Information Administration (NTIA). This proposal includes awards totaling $48.4 million to expand Maine’s internet infrastructure to 21,818 homes and businesses across the state.
“It is a big moment to be able to provide nearly 22,000 homes and businesses access to high-speed internet,” said Andrew Butcher, president of Maine Connectivity Authority. “Our plan proved that Maine could stretch a dollar further than most. We celebrate our efficiencies, and want to be clear that investing in the infrasturcture alone does not mean our work is complete,” Butcher added.
In 2023, Maine was allocated $272 milllion through the NTIA’s Broadband Equity Access & Deployment (BEAD) Program, which provides funding through states to serve homes, busineses and community anchor institutions with unreliable, slow or no internet connection. This was the largest grant in state history to expand internet access. In June 2025, the NTIA restructured the BEAD Program requirements, including a “Benefit of the Bargain” application round. Applications resulted in high-speed internet service for 100% of the BEAD-eligible locations with requests for $48.4 million in federal funding, complemented by $108 million in private matching funds from applicants. This led to Maine having one of the lowest average costs per location nationwide.
Maine was among the first in the country to receive NTIA approval; the state’s proposal reflects a commitment to efficiency and impact. Maine-based and national companies will provide internet service through a variety of technologies to accomplish our connectivity goals outlined within the BEAD Program. This supports MCA’s ability to continue deploying fast and reliable internet, leveraging both public and private funding and meeting the needs of communities.
“Thanks to the historic investments in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, Maine is delivering real progress on our commitment to bring high-speed internet to every community. This approval means nearly 22,000 homes and businsses will finally have access to the reliable connectivity they need to participate fully in our digital economy,” said Congresswoman Chelie Pingree (D-ME-01) From rural towns to coastal communities, this investment will open doos to better educational opportunities, expanded telehealth services and new economic possibilities. I’m pround that Maine has maximied this federal investment so efficiently and I’ll continue working to ensure the remaining funds are released so we can finish the job of closing Maine’s digital divide once and for all.”
MCA is currently awaiting oonfirmation on how the state can spend the remaining $200 milion of its original BEAD allocation and is working in partnership with Maine’s federal delegation and NTIA to better understand potential eligible uses and timelines for decision-making.