Federal Government Approves Maine’s Plan for $48 Million Investment in Internet Infrastructure

After three years of planning, analysis and collaboration with the federal government, Maine Connectivity Authority  is proud to announce that Maine’s Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment Final Proposal has been approved by the National Telecommunication and Information Administration. This proposal includes awards totaling $48.4 million to expand Maine’s internet infrastructure to 21,818 homes and businesses across the state. In 2023, Maine was allocated $272 million through the NTIA’s BEAD Program, which provides funding through states to serve homes, businesses, 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 percent of the BEAD-eligible locations with requests for $48.4 million in federal funding, complemented by $109 million in private matching funds from applicants. This led to Maine having one of the lowest average costs per location nationwide.