Forum to take up broadband gap

Contributed Article

    BANGOR — Expansion of broadband capacity, an issue of much discussion in the Maine Legislature of late, will be the topic today of the latest economic development forum sponsored by the Action Committee of 50.
    “Bridging the Broadband Gap: Strategies for connecting Maine communities” will take place on Wednesday, April 29, at 8 a.m. at Spectacular Events Center in Bangor.

    Jim Page, Chancellor of the University of Maine System, will be the moderator of a panel that includes Rick Bates, town manager of Rockport, Lisa Leahy, associate director of the Connect Maine Authority and Aaron Paul, senior broadband consultant with Tilson Technologies of Portland.
    “Access to affordable, reliable and fast internet service is a critical part of our economic infrastructure,” said Andrew Sturgeon, chair of the Action Committee of 50. “Right now, lawmakers in Augusta are debating just how we provide that service to more Maine people and businesses. We think this forum is very well-timed in that regard.”
    There are several bills pending in the Legislature that try to address the broadband gap. At issue is what defines broadband service and what role state and local government should play in encouraging its expansion.
    One of the strongest proponents of broadband expansion to rural areas is Rep. Norman Higgins of Dover-Foxcroft.
    The doors will open at 7:30 and the event is scheduled to run until 9:30 a.m. The event is free. More information is available by contacting the Bangor Region Chamber of Commerce at 947-0307 or going to the events calendar on the Chamber’s website bangorregion.com.