Post by Logan on Feb 3, 2016 1:19:44 GMT -6
AUGUSTA — Rural Mainers and businesses struggling with slow or nonexistent Internet access could benefit from a bill that will send an additional $1 million to the state agency that oversees broadband expansion.
The Legislature’s Energy and Utilities Committee voted 9-3 Tuesday to back the proposal sponsored by Rep. Robert Saucier, D-Presque Isle, and co-sponsored by Republican and Democratic legislators from rural districts.
The bill originally sought to increase funding for the ConnectME Authority, the agency charged with increasing broadband access, by up to $6 million. It was backed by the Maine Farm Bureau and other agricultural associations hoping higher Internet speeds will grow their businesses.
Lawmakers struggled to agree on the funding source. At one point, the committee considered adding a surcharge on mobile phone bills, a proposal backed by the Office of the Public Advocate, the state agency advocating on behalf of ratepayers on energy, utility and communication policy.
Read more: www.pressherald.com/2016/02/02/lawmakers-back-bill-to-add-1-million-to-expand-broadband/
The Legislature’s Energy and Utilities Committee voted 9-3 Tuesday to back the proposal sponsored by Rep. Robert Saucier, D-Presque Isle, and co-sponsored by Republican and Democratic legislators from rural districts.
The bill originally sought to increase funding for the ConnectME Authority, the agency charged with increasing broadband access, by up to $6 million. It was backed by the Maine Farm Bureau and other agricultural associations hoping higher Internet speeds will grow their businesses.
Lawmakers struggled to agree on the funding source. At one point, the committee considered adding a surcharge on mobile phone bills, a proposal backed by the Office of the Public Advocate, the state agency advocating on behalf of ratepayers on energy, utility and communication policy.
Read more: www.pressherald.com/2016/02/02/lawmakers-back-bill-to-add-1-million-to-expand-broadband/