By
Lorraine Glowczak
More
than 20 years ago, the popular use of dial-up internet hit the mainstream,
changing the way the world communicates and completes business. Fast forward to
the 21st century where high-speed internet has changed life further,
affording many the freedom to create home-based businesses, provide financial
savings via online learning as well as the ability to “cut the cord” from cable
television.
But
much like a well-traveled road that requires expansion to continue the swift
pace desired, the speed and availability of the internet is quickly changing.
For those in rural areas like Windham and Raymond, the internet is unable to
keep up with the traffic and demands of its residents, students, and business
owners. This has been a challenging issue in rural communities for a long time,
but the current pandemic as put a serious spin on its present need for success
on all levels.
“Now
more than ever, we are seeing what the lack of internet access means for people
in underserved communities like Windham and Raymond,” said Lori Parham,
Executive Director for AARP Maine. “As a result of COVID-19, people are feeling
more isolated and alone as the need for communication and connection has
transitioned to online platforms.”
Although
most of AARP’s focus and mission is to assist and support individuals who are
50 and older, it is also recognized that broadband internet is critical for
diverse economic growth across all ages. As a result, they are advocating for
Maine Ballot Question 1 this election cycle.
At
the July 14, 2020 election, voters will get the opportunity to vote on this
issue with Question 1 - High-Speed Internet
Infrastructure Bond Issue. A "yes" vote supports this measure to
authorize $15 million in general obligation bonds for the ConnectME Authority
to provide funding for high-speed internet infrastructure in unserved
and underserved areas. A "no" vote opposes this measure to
authorize $15 million in general obligation bonds for the ConnectME Authority
to provide funding for high-speed internet infrastructure in unserved
and underserved areas.
The
bond will be matched with 30 million in private, local, or federal support and
the 15 million investment would bring a total of 45 million or more to buildout
the infrastructure needed and is essential to individuals in rural communities.
“High-speed
internet is essential for young and old alike – from school children, business
owners to caregivers as well as retirees,” said Jane Margesson, AARP Maine
Communications Director. “The lack of broadband internet impacts services that
are much needed – whether is it a teacher trying to instruct their student
online, an occupational therapist providing service to the young learner or
older adult trying to access telemedicine because the pandemic prevents a one
to one office visit - whatever the case may be, Mainers deserve to have access
to high speed internet and it is simply not available to everyone in rural
communities.”
Both Raymond and Windham
municipalities know the importance of the role Broadband plays in economic and
social success. They have worked tirelessly together to support individuals,
schools and businesses in the Sebago Lakes communities.
Don Willard, Raymond’s Town
Manager, stated in a 2018 interview on this subject that it was time for Maine
to be a leader instead of a follower.
“It is imperative to invest in our
future,” Willard said. “We must change and adapt if we are to remain
economically viable, for not only businesses in the area, but for the community
at large.”
In a recent phone conversation,
Willard backed his statement from that previous interview.
“What I said two years ago is truer
now more than ever as a result of the pandemic,” he said. “Our future economic
viability depends upon this critical infrastructure to meet the needs of not
only our business community, but also to have success in all manner of future
communication endeavors and most importantly provision of education at all
levels.”
The
Windham Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) has long been a supporter of
broadband internet and has advocated legislation to help rural communities in
Maine increase broadband infrastructure and reliability.
“The
legislature has enabled towns and cities to form Municipal Broadband Utilities
and has provided a funding mechanism allowing these utilities to raise capital
through Revenue Bonds,” explained WEDC Director, Tom Bartell. “We are also
working with Cumberland County government, which has received grant funding to
research which form of the Municipal Broadband Utility would be best for the
region.”
AARP-Maine
is a member of the Maine Broadband Coalition and has worked closely with this
group on this effort. For a full list of supporters to date: www.betterinternetformaine.org/allies/
To
learn more about high-speed internet and/or Maine Ballot Question 1, contact
AARP at Parham at lparham@aarp.org , Raymond Town Manager Willard at
don.willard@raymondmaine.org or Bartell at the WEDC at thbartell@windhammaine.us. <
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