Progress to Date

The activities and initiatives listed below are the result of people, towns and organizations working collaboratively to support each other’s priorities and the region’s economic development needs. The GEGEC serves in a variety of roles on different projects – catalyst, ambassador, advisor, supporter and/or coordinator. The progress over the past five years can be celebrated and will be built upon as we move forward together to benefit people in the region.

Since 2020, secured $65,000 funds to complete ConnectMaine Phase 1 and Phase 2 planning for high-speed broadband services for the region. The next planning phase is underway. Mission Broadband, a broadband consulting firm, will be completing a provider RFP and cost analysis project that will set the stage for the regional and town recommendations on a business and financing model to initiate funding applications for the infrastructure build-out.

In 2023, $8.1 million dollar grant awarded to Consolidated Communications to build a new fiber network in 11 communities in the region. (link to News). Construction will begin mid 2023 and be completed no later than December 2024.