To be competitive in a 2012 economy, Maine must have an Internet infrastructure capable of quickly sending large amounts of data. The Internet is made up of many intangible networks of networks, but it needs physical elements, such as wires or cables, to support its existence.
Now, because of the recently completed Three Ring Binder project, Maine has Internet components similar to those in Manhattan or Boston. Its 1,100 miles of fiber-optic cable, attached to telephone poles, turn three big loops throughout the state and make it possible for Internet service providers to connect households and businesses.
Improving broadband Internet service in urban and rural areas will not just make it easier for people to view Netflix films or upload YouTube videos. The broadband signal has greater bandwidth and, therefore, greater capacity for traffic. A speedier, more reliable Internet helps businesses, banks, schools — anyone who relies on the Internet for his or her livelihood — to be more productive. And it makes the state more attractive to outside investors.
The network will now reach some areas that before only had satellite Internet access (which can have a problem with delay that makes it difficult to use videos or Skype). Some parts of Maine will get broadband for the first time. Plus, the network will create additional competition and may drive down the cost of transporting wholesale Internet access. It will also be more reliable than current options because, if the fiber is accidentally severed, it is able to reverse the data flow and continue providing access.
Making it easier for people to connect can only be a good thing for enterprise. According to Google’s Director of Marketing Scott Levitan, 59 percent of Maine businesses don’t have a website, even though 97 percent of consumers look online for local products and services.
Supplying more bandwidth, reaching new areas and enhancing reliability could draw businesses and boost those struggling with slow Internet access. But now Maine Fiber Co. — which installed the fiber — has to spread the word. It will take time to change the perceptions of people outside the state who might not be aware that broadband now reaches Skowhegan or Wiscasset.
In return, Internet service providers must connect communities to the network. Economic development directors must stimulate demand from businesses and residents. Residents can contact service providers that have partnered with Maine Fiber to see what areas they serve. Because it’s an open network, entities — a hospital, town, school — can lease directly from Maine Fiber. (It’s already being done by Scarborough, Greenwood and the University of Maine).
Funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act and private investors, the Three Ring Binder project has the capability of providing Mainers the Internet access they need to compete. Technology doesn’t stand still, and Maine will need to continually adapt and measure outcomes, but this is an accomplishment of which people across the state should take advantage.
What about Down Here? Yeah, that’s what I thought. No.
Some people like living in the sticks for plenty of reasons. In the process we willingly, but sometimes bitterly forfeit the luxuries of living close to the recognized world(southern Maine and beyond).
This super duper, best there is, lightning fast internet mandate sham for “everyone”- well everyone ISN’T gonna get it. They need to stop pretending that people that want to be, or need to be connected fast are getting the service.
I dont see any fiber optics in Tinkersville…
Of course I could really careless, too busy enjoying the outdoors..
Go ahead. build it. Just don’t put the bill on taxpayers. The internet should be totally financed by those who choose to use it.
I get along just fione with $9.95 a month dial-up.
If you want companies and entrepreneurs to create jobs, there needs to be the infrastructure.
No infrastructure, no jobs.Those who think dial-up is good enough for Maine are still living in the last century.It’s called reality. Deal with it.
I say only that those who wish to use high-speed services should pay the full freight. I’m real happy “living in the last century.
and this is why we are doing bad as a country.
I live 5 miles from the University of Maine at Orono and I cannot get cable or high speed internet. It’s completely insane to me… I had both of those while living in the sticks in Aroostook County. What the heck is going on…?!?
“…Residents can contact service providers that have partnered with Maine Fiber to see what areas they serve. …”
You would think they would want to contact me, one of their potential customers!
I am not holding my breath.
The Three Ring Binder is an interstate without interchanges: Maine’s ISPs are almost certainly waiting for somebody else (read: government) to fund their extending its reach to ordinary Mainers.
But please explain why those of us who do not want high-speed should be forced into funding it?
My suggestion? pay your own way!
I didn’t want to pay for the road that runs by your house, but I did.
Not for me you didn’t.
No car!
So should the road in front of your house be cordoned off so no police, fire, mail, or other vehicles can get to it? Think bigger.
O.K. I’m thinking bigger
If I don’t buy fuel I don’t have to pay for the road in front of my house. I’m all for your government funded electric highway SO LONG as those who choose NOT to use it do not have to finance it in any way, For an instance finance it through a 25% tax on I.S.P’s.
What’s unfair about that?
“…Residents can contact service providers that have partnered with Maine Fiber to see what areas they serve. …”
Every service provider “Does not offer services in the area that I live????”
“Because it’s an open network, entities — a hospital, town, school — can LEASE directly from Maine Fiber.” What about a small rural business????
More like a Three Ring BLUNDER
I would love to have high speed internet where I live, but satellite is all that is available.
The problem with infrastructure “investment” especially when done by government entities is that it is not properly targeted.
That can be seen anytime a one size fits all plan is implemented. Does it make sense to run miles of fiber to a place with no use for it?
Does it make sense to put a multi million elementary school in an area with few children? or a 6 lane highway to a area with no traffic?
Investment has to be made wisely or it is just foolish spending.
Maine Fiber is a private company, not a government entity.
What is your point? The article said the money to do this came from the federal government.
This is wonderful for those being served but it remains to be seen when the “final mile” gets us connected. There is absolutely no competition in rural and semi rural Maine. We’re stuck with Fairpoint and nobody else. This just encourages unsustainable commuting to the fully served corridor and leaves the rest of us behind.