Maine is taking a big step to bridge the digital divide in the state by providing free Starlink terminals to residents and businesses in hard-to-reach areas. The program, set to launch next month, aims to connect 9,000 eligible locations with the necessary equipment. This initiative is estimated to cost the state around $5.4 million, not including free shipping and professional installation.
While the state is covering the cost of the equipment, residents will be responsible for managing their own subscriptions with Starlink. Each Starlink terminal costs $599, with a monthly service plan of $120 for unlimited data. The Maine Connectivity Authority (MCA) is finalizing a contract with Starlink that will include capacity guarantees to ensure the purchased terminals can connect to the internet at a speed benchmark of 100/20 Mbps.
The application process for the program will have a rolling open enrollment, and the state plans to notify residents of their eligibility as quickly as possible. The goal is to close the digital gap for the remaining 1.5 percent of locations in Maine that currently lack internet access. Governor Janet Mills expressed her commitment to providing reliable internet access to all residents by the end of the year.
Starlink, a leading Low-Earth Orbit satellite provider, was chosen by MCA through a request for proposal process. With a constellation of 6,000 satellites orbiting the Earth, Starlink currently serves over 4 million subscribers worldwide. The Working Internet ASAP program is just one of the many initiatives Maine is undertaking to improve internet access in the state.
Looking ahead, Maine plans to introduce $350 million in new funding under the Biden Administration’s Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment program in 2025. This additional funding will further support efforts to expand internet access and connectivity across the state. Maine’s proactive approach to addressing the digital divide serves as a model for other states looking to ensure that all residents have access to reliable and high-speed internet connection.