Cloud Hosting

Maine Connectivity Authority experts say about 70% of Maine has underserved internet.

Underserved Mainers are those with some but not ideal access to internet.

Charter Communication announced a $70 million investment in its fiber-optic network.

As well as a $12 million investment to extend their network to thousands of Maine homes and businesses without internet.

One of those unserved communities is the town of Liberty.

Jeffrey Johnston is the co-owner of Lake St. George brewing company. He says his access to internet is hurting his business.

"When multiple transactions are happening, it stalls out., said Johnston.

Johnston says the iPads his staff uses, and his security system do not work as reliably as they should.

Bob Kurek had a similar experience in his home nearby.

"I couldnt even download the upgrades to my computer because it just took too long, said Kurek.

Kurek says he needs his computer for important work, like accessing his banking.

President of Maine Connectivity Authority Andrew Butcher says the charter investment will help communities like Liberty.

I anticipate a good amount of this investment will go to some of our more populous and dense areas that have a need and opportunity for enhanced service, said Butcher.

Joe Meadows, who lives in Liberty says charter's investment will be helpful. But he wants to see community ownership, not commercial.

Meadows says community ownership could be less expensive and more effective.

"We can control the rates, we can control the levels of service, said Meadows.

But that's not usually the case says Myles Smith of Maine Broadband Coalition.

"We want to make sure that people have affordability and choice in the internet that they get, said Smith.

Smith says some communities only have one choice, which is Spectrum under Charter.

The Charter investment is estimated to be completed across the company's state service area by 2025.

See original here:
Spectrum offers major internet investment to rural Maine - WGME