Maine Officials Say Broadband Agency Wouldn't Overreach
A proposed Maine broadband agency is “not an expansion of government bureaucracy,” nor will it be a tax or regulatory authority, Gov. Janet Mills (D) told legislators Tuesday. The joint Energy, Utilities and Technology Committee heard testimony on Mills’ plan…
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to establish a Maine Connectivity Authority to pursue universal broadband (see 2104260069). The authority could own infrastructure under the planned amendment to LD-1484, but the intent would not be for the state entity to sell service, said Maine Department of Economic Community Development Commissioner Heather Johnson. The Telecom Association of Maine would oppose the state becoming a competitor, and believes Johnson that this isn’t the goal, said Executive Director Benjamin Sanborn. TAM will seek to write in some “guardrails” to clarify the body’s role, he said. Maine Public Advocate Barry Hobbins supported the proposed agency, which would become parent to the existing ConnectMaine Authority. “It is time for the authority to expand its scope,” he said. Maine should think carefully about diversifying board membership, said TAM, Charter Communications and Consolidated Communications officials. Include private broadband companies and bankers who understand what projects can be financed, said Sanborn. Give localities more seats at the table because much responsibility will fall to them, said Maine Municipal Association legislative analyst Neal Goldberg.