The BDN Opinion section operates independently and does not set news policies or contribute to reporting or editing articles elsewhere in the newspaper or on bangordailynews.com
Drew Petersen is senior vice president of corporate affairs for TDS Telecom.
High-speed internet has become essential for Maine communities and is keeping the economy moving. Across the state, high-speed internet enables farmers to use precision agriculture, rural residents to access telehealth specialists, small businesses to sell Maine-made products worldwide, and tourism operators to manage reservations and attract visitors.
This is what drives TDS Telecom (TDS) to deliver better internet for businesses and residential customers. TDS has served Maine since 1971 and today operates seven local telephone companies serving more than 30 communities from Swan’s Island and Isle au Haut to rural areas such as Kingfield and North Anson. Every new connection unlocks new opportunities, especially in rural and historically unserved parts of the state.
That’s why we are grateful for the leadership of Sen. Susan Collins. As the first Mainer in nearly a century to serve as the chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, we believe Collins has consistently advocated to improve the quality of life for Mainers, including broadband. Her bipartisan leadership has helped create a policy and funding environment that has allowed experienced providers like TDS to invest, build, and connect some of Maine’s hardest-to-serve communities.
As a longtime champion of rural connectivity, Senator Collins has said, ”broadband is not a luxury, but a necessity” and we applaud her work in this area. She helped shape one of the most significant broadband investments in our nation’s history. She was a lead negotiator for the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, which allocated $65 billion for broadband deployment including $42.5 billion for the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program in 2021.
At the same time, her support has been critical for programs such as the federal Enhanced Alternative Connect America Cost Model, E-ACAM, which is enabling providers like TDS to make long-term network commitments in rural communities. By pairing federal support with private investment in E-ACAM, TDS is currently extending faster service to thousands of rural Maine locations.
Her support extends beyond funding; she has advocated for broadband programs to be implemented efficiently with flexibility to allow providers to use the technologies best suited to the communities they serve. In addition, she has supported efforts to reduce regulatory barriers and accelerate broadband deployments.
Collins has a proven record of bridging the political divide to get things done. As a result, her advocacy has helped create lasting benefits for Maine communities.
TDS is proud of its more than 50-year history in Maine and the investments we continue to make across the state. No single company or program can close the digital divide, but when effective federal policy, state partnerships and regulatory reforms work together, providers like TDS can upgrade networks, improve lives, and strengthen communities. Collins has helped make that work possible.
Throughout her career, she has been a tireless advocate for Maine communities, fighting to bring resources home. We believe Maine is stronger because of her, and we are grateful for her continued leadership.