PUB: What's Happening?
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General updates to what's happening on the "Peninsula" - including Deer Isle & Stonington - will be highlighted and kept visible should there be no updates. If you need more specific information, please contact you PUB "rep" as noted on the contacts page. For what and who we are, please seen the summary starting at "Our Mission" below.
Peninsula Broadband Presentation & LINK Posted Below https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tantjmlJly8&feature=youtu.be |
| Peninsula Broadband Presentation 10-28-2020.pdf |
Broadband Speed Test Initiative - Help us map our towns
Ongoing! - To help the State’s ConnectMaine Authority and the Maine Broadband Coalition (MBC) better assess areas for Broadband access, a Statewide Speed Test Initiative has begun. This initiative seeks to support the fact that FCC mapping data for Broadband is seriously overstated, with many rural areas of Maine "Unserved" by Broadband. Some areas have no terrestrial (wired) Internet at all. ISP electronics at capacity, distances too far, no provider in the area and provider wiring not designed to optimally support residents and businesses.
How can you help? Please Take a Speed Test - It's easy!
1. If you have wired Internet access at home or a standalone business - take the test in the link below.
2. If you do NOT have Internet access at a residence or standalone business you can get on the website from anywhere and fill out the information related to your specific address. Simply answer the questions you’ll find here for that address noting that there is no wired service (if that is the case).
3. If you are out of town for the winter you can take the test when you get back – it will be up and waiting for you.
Https://www.mainebroadbandcoalition.org
The program is up and running and it is highly desired that the test be conducted sooner rather than later – especially in those areas seeking grant funds and/or have projects that need that information. The results visually available to everyone from the link provided and the map format will allow you to zoom in to your town - just like in Google Maps. The test will be able to differentiate Internet Service Providers (ISPs) - CCI’s DSL from Spectrum CATV from HughesNet or other non-wired services – or your Cell Phone's cellular connection when off WIFI.
Please test your home wired connection and if you have none, you can annotated that within the survey.
New Ellsworth American article on the same Speed Test:
www.ellsworthamerican.com/maine-news/broadband-project-needs-speed-testers/
Current and Updated Things Happening:
1. The PUB meets every month on the 2nd Friday at 0800 via a Video Teleconference call.
2. A summary of activities related to the FCC's Rural Digital Opportunity Fund (RDOF) (CCI Local Awardee) and the USDA RUS Reconnect #2 program (GWI the local applicant) was provided. In addition, Island Institute is posting some of the same information here (Island Institute).
a. The RDOF still has some time to go before we know the impacts to the area as CCI still has to accept the award and then identify what it will actually do. The map below depicts (in Green) the areas locally awarded but more will follow in the coming months (estimating March at the earliest). The map does NOT identify or depict where or what work will actually be done - nor when. CCI was awarded 1 Gbps fiber so this is NOT going to upgrade any existing DSL services but will be Fiber based services according to the award and conversations with CCI.
b. Starlink (SpaceX) will probably affect the area "early" in 2021 but specifics are not known and it is assumed there will be data caps like HughesNet does for their satellite service. More to come.
3. GWI had submitted for Fibre to the Home (FTTH) "GWI loans" through the USDA Reconnect Program but no New England states received any awards. They will reapply for smaller areas that do not include the RDOF areas per direction from the FCC. Only Brooksville, Sedgwick and Penobscot qualified for this effort.
a. Blue Hill, Stonington and Deer Isle have Spectrum (Charter) and Brooklin upgraded Consolidated service which disqualified those towns because of their service capacity levels.
4. Blue Hill: Of the four CCI Remote Terminals (RTs), two are "full" with no capacity to add service. Butler Smythe is working through CCI to improve service/address shortfalls but based on recent conversation CCI is not expending company funds on DSL upgrades - their company focus will be on Fiber to the Home (FTTH) in the coming years. DSL is seen by investors as a financially poor use of funds when the future lies in fiber. (see Town Page). The Blue Hill Town Broadband assessment is available at the TOP of the Town Page.
a. To start an effort at being ready for ConnectMaine grant funding, Butler Smythe is engaging part of Blue Hill that will best profit from the programs funding qualifications. An area survey, testimonials and other data is being collected.
5. Stonington is continuing to work with CCI to improve DSL service to the average 10/1 level. Cost to the town was approved at the spring Town Meeting but a subsequent cost increase necessitates a Special Town Meeting to re-approve.
6. If you would like the specific RDOF results they can be found at: https://www.fcc.gov/auction/904/round-results. Please note that there are some concerns about the award with several online posts addressing the specifics of that.
1. The PUB meets every month on the 2nd Friday at 0800 via a Video Teleconference call.
2. A summary of activities related to the FCC's Rural Digital Opportunity Fund (RDOF) (CCI Local Awardee) and the USDA RUS Reconnect #2 program (GWI the local applicant) was provided. In addition, Island Institute is posting some of the same information here (Island Institute).
a. The RDOF still has some time to go before we know the impacts to the area as CCI still has to accept the award and then identify what it will actually do. The map below depicts (in Green) the areas locally awarded but more will follow in the coming months (estimating March at the earliest). The map does NOT identify or depict where or what work will actually be done - nor when. CCI was awarded 1 Gbps fiber so this is NOT going to upgrade any existing DSL services but will be Fiber based services according to the award and conversations with CCI.
b. Starlink (SpaceX) will probably affect the area "early" in 2021 but specifics are not known and it is assumed there will be data caps like HughesNet does for their satellite service. More to come.
3. GWI had submitted for Fibre to the Home (FTTH) "GWI loans" through the USDA Reconnect Program but no New England states received any awards. They will reapply for smaller areas that do not include the RDOF areas per direction from the FCC. Only Brooksville, Sedgwick and Penobscot qualified for this effort.
a. Blue Hill, Stonington and Deer Isle have Spectrum (Charter) and Brooklin upgraded Consolidated service which disqualified those towns because of their service capacity levels.
4. Blue Hill: Of the four CCI Remote Terminals (RTs), two are "full" with no capacity to add service. Butler Smythe is working through CCI to improve service/address shortfalls but based on recent conversation CCI is not expending company funds on DSL upgrades - their company focus will be on Fiber to the Home (FTTH) in the coming years. DSL is seen by investors as a financially poor use of funds when the future lies in fiber. (see Town Page). The Blue Hill Town Broadband assessment is available at the TOP of the Town Page.
a. To start an effort at being ready for ConnectMaine grant funding, Butler Smythe is engaging part of Blue Hill that will best profit from the programs funding qualifications. An area survey, testimonials and other data is being collected.
5. Stonington is continuing to work with CCI to improve DSL service to the average 10/1 level. Cost to the town was approved at the spring Town Meeting but a subsequent cost increase necessitates a Special Town Meeting to re-approve.
6. If you would like the specific RDOF results they can be found at: https://www.fcc.gov/auction/904/round-results. Please note that there are some concerns about the award with several online posts addressing the specifics of that.
Press Release (summary):
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O U R M I S S O N
Peninsula Broadband for All
The Peninsula Utility for Broadband advocates for fast, flexible, affordable and reliable internet to support businesses and schools, advance the quality of healthcare, connect homes and facilitate long term education and socialization of our rural communities.
Who are we?
The Peninsula Utility for Broadband (PUB) is a coalition of eight (8) town working groups that seek to enhance the quality of life and develop opportunities in education, health care and job creation through significantly improved Internet - built to address today and more specifically - the future. We made up of and represent the following towns in Maine:
Penobscot, Blue Hill, Brooklin, Stonington, Deer Isle, Sedgwick, Brooksville and Castine
PUB will meet to share information and discuss opportunities for Peninsula-wide and Island communities, with collaboration to more effectively work common issues and coordinate meeting attendance, consolidate resource documentation, share planning development and insights, as well as lessons learned from the group and others.
PUB will focus on synergizing the efforts of the communities represented as well as the efforts of other state and national groups working toward the same or similar goals.
Each committee/working group and their associated town will educate and advocate Broadband/Internet service, which is affordable and available to all. Each town will ultimately be responsible for their own end state, but the potential creation of a common paper "Utility" will be available through the PUB.
We meet the 2nd Friday of each month at 8 am in one of the eight towns of our group.
Next Meeting: January 8th 2021 via WEBEX
Penobscot, Blue Hill, Brooklin, Stonington, Deer Isle, Sedgwick, Brooksville and Castine
PUB will meet to share information and discuss opportunities for Peninsula-wide and Island communities, with collaboration to more effectively work common issues and coordinate meeting attendance, consolidate resource documentation, share planning development and insights, as well as lessons learned from the group and others.
PUB will focus on synergizing the efforts of the communities represented as well as the efforts of other state and national groups working toward the same or similar goals.
Each committee/working group and their associated town will educate and advocate Broadband/Internet service, which is affordable and available to all. Each town will ultimately be responsible for their own end state, but the potential creation of a common paper "Utility" will be available through the PUB.
We meet the 2nd Friday of each month at 8 am in one of the eight towns of our group.
Next Meeting: January 8th 2021 via WEBEX
W H A T'S UP
Some efforts, thoughts & situations (note: not all local related news is captured here)
(NEW) "A Tale of Two Titles" - What the FCC under Ajit Pai would like you to believe is a lie.
https://www.techdirt.com/articles/20201026/09135245588/tale-two-titles.shtml
Can Maine hack COVID-19 with our Current Broadband?
https://www.mainepublic.org/post/amid-coronavirus-mainers-are-living-life-online-can-states-broadband-system-meet-demand
From Island Advantages (Penobscot Bay Press)
http://islandadvantages.com/news/2020/feb/14/stonington-to-consider-75000-to-improve-internet-s/#.Xkb4ti2ZNn5
From the Ellsworth American (updated 10 Oct 2020)
(NEW) https://www.ellsworthamerican.com/maine-news/blue-hill-peninsula-residents-push-for-expanded-broadband-service/
https://www.ellsworthamerican.com/maine-news/grassroots-group-pursues-better-broadband-service/
LINK below is to an article - with a link - enabling residents to submit their paid-for capacity directly to ConnectME.
https://www.ellsworthamerican.com/maine-news/state-asks-residents-to-help-map-internet-service/
From the Castine Patriot
http://castinepatriot.com/news/2019/jan/30/penobscot-committee-moves-forward-with-internet-re/#.XFMZexpOnmo
From the New York Times - Article on RURAL BROADBAND
https://www.nytimes.com/2019/02/06/opinion/rural-broadband-fcc.html?action=click&module=Opinion&pgtype=Homepage
Microsoft helps show FCC Broadband Map Inaccuracies
https://news.microsoft.com/rural-broadband/
INTERNET INEQUALITY - See this exceptional summary...
See it here on YouTube (search for "Internet Inequality" or "Why Your Internet Sucks" - if it does not show up):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xw87-zP2VNA&t=1156s
"On the latest episode of Patriot Act, Hasan discusses Internet inequality in the U.S. and the reasons why millions of Americans cannot get online in 2019. Even though the Internet is considered a basic human right by the UN, many poor and rural communities across the country are still left with little to no access to broadband networks. This lack of Internet access then further impacts the ability of these communities to obtain healthcare, education, and other important necessities. While Internet service providers like Comcast and Charter are largely to blame for Internet inequality in parts of the country, the FCC is making things worse by siding with private corporations at the expense of millions of Americans who lack access to what has become a vital tool for everyday life. Since so many Americans lack access to streaming platforms like Netflix, we decided to put out a DVD version of this episode that can be rented at dvd.com/patriotact. Just don’t forget to mail it back when you are done with it." Watch Patriot Act with Hasan Minhaj on Netflix: https://www.netflix.com/title/80239931
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xw87-zP2VNA&t=1156s
"On the latest episode of Patriot Act, Hasan discusses Internet inequality in the U.S. and the reasons why millions of Americans cannot get online in 2019. Even though the Internet is considered a basic human right by the UN, many poor and rural communities across the country are still left with little to no access to broadband networks. This lack of Internet access then further impacts the ability of these communities to obtain healthcare, education, and other important necessities. While Internet service providers like Comcast and Charter are largely to blame for Internet inequality in parts of the country, the FCC is making things worse by siding with private corporations at the expense of millions of Americans who lack access to what has become a vital tool for everyday life. Since so many Americans lack access to streaming platforms like Netflix, we decided to put out a DVD version of this episode that can be rented at dvd.com/patriotact. Just don’t forget to mail it back when you are done with it." Watch Patriot Act with Hasan Minhaj on Netflix: https://www.netflix.com/title/80239931
HOW CAN YOU HELP?
Contacting us will help us to grow and better serve you.
We are interested in what you think and what you need. With that in mind we're also interested in finding out if you are willing to be Participants, Volunteers, or just the Curious - or the Anxious.
Please let us know by going to this site LINK to fill out a contact information form to better serve you OR simply contact your local PUB rep - click here.
AND
You can contact Maine's Governor, Senators and Congressmen, as well as your local Maine State Senators and Representatives.... AND your local Selectmen/Town Governments and ask; "What have you done for me lately to support Broadband?"
We are interested in what you think and what you need. With that in mind we're also interested in finding out if you are willing to be Participants, Volunteers, or just the Curious - or the Anxious.
Please let us know by going to this site LINK to fill out a contact information form to better serve you OR simply contact your local PUB rep - click here.
AND
You can contact Maine's Governor, Senators and Congressmen, as well as your local Maine State Senators and Representatives.... AND your local Selectmen/Town Governments and ask; "What have you done for me lately to support Broadband?"
W H Y
For the People and Towns
FROM the 2020 State of Maine Broadband Action Plan (NEW 2020 Document Below!)
“We will redefine unserved potential subscribers as those locations where the available service is less than 25Mbps/3Mbps ..., and underserved potential subscribers as those locations where the available service is less than 99Mbps/10Mbps and greater than 25Mbps/3Mbps, .... Redefining these definitions will more closely align the Maine standards to the federal standards used by the FCC and other federal agencies and their funding programs. The current FCC standard considers service at 25Mbps/3Mbps as served.”
“We will redefine unserved potential subscribers as those locations where the available service is less than 25Mbps/3Mbps ..., and underserved potential subscribers as those locations where the available service is less than 99Mbps/10Mbps and greater than 25Mbps/3Mbps, .... Redefining these definitions will more closely align the Maine standards to the federal standards used by the FCC and other federal agencies and their funding programs. The current FCC standard considers service at 25Mbps/3Mbps as served.”
| State of Maine - Statewide Broadband Action Plan 2020 |
