Mills Administration Awards $5.6 Million to Build High Speed Internet Infrastructure for Students in Underserved Maine Communities
November 20, 2020Redzone Completes Maine’s State-Sponsored Student Broadband Network Expansion for Remote Education
January 4, 2021December 2, 2020 – Redzone Wireless, LLC, a Maine-basedbroadband service provider, announced a new initiative to bring free broadband to hundreds of underserved Maine families to power remote learning.
Redzone Wireless has been selected to receive federal CARES Act funds, administered by the Maine Department of Education and ConnectME to expand and upgrade broadband infrastructure in 19 regional areas by the end of December in order to provide 50 Mbps broadband to 375 students, and teachers.
“Redzone is thrilled to participate in this program to reach more students with expanded broadband infrastructure, upgraded wireless technology & capacity, while also delivering affordable broadband access to thousands of additional underserved locations in Maine,” said Jim McKenna, Redzone Wireless CEO. “This program represents a significant step on the long journey to address Maine’s digital divide.”
New Redzone fixed wireless broadband infrastructure is currently under construction on 6 new towers in the following communities: Bucksfield, Charleston, Dexter, Dresden,and Lincoln (2).
Upgraded broadband infrastructure is also currently in development on existing towers located in the following communities: Augusta, Belfast, Caribou, Morrill, Frankfort, Livermore, Rumford, Machias, Orrington, Jefferson, Sanford, Hope, and Union.
Broadband infrastructure development began in early November, with new construction and upgrades scheduled for completion by December 30th. Service installations at qualified student locations will begin before the end of the year and continue into the month of January.
Maine student or teacher households without 25 Mbps broadband service located within areas approved for the program should apply as soon as possible for a connection online at www.redzonewireless.com/cares or call 207-596-5700 M-F for additional information.
“Initial response to this student broadband program has been excellent, highlighting Maine’s widespread need for both expanded broadband access and affordability,” said Michael Forcillo, Redzone Executive Vice President. “Considering the urgency for remote learning prompted by the ongoing pandemic, it’s not surprising program applications received to date have come from all across the state.”
