08/26/2024

Eastern Slopes Regional Broadband Committee (ESRB) Update

Over the last 4 years a team of residents has been actively pursuing the expansion of broadband services for the towns of Stow, Stoneham, Sweden, Lovell, Fryeburg, Brownfield, and Denmark. It has been a lengthy and time-consuming effort, but a good result is finally in sight.

The team has been successful in gaining commitments for the expansion of internet services to most locations in all seven towns. 

Denmark, Lovell, and Fryeburg are being “built out” by Spectrum with line extensions to reach most residents. Funding is by a grant from the Maine Connectivity Authority (MCA) and Spectrum’s own capital. 

Brownfield, Stoneham, Stow, and Sweden have a commitment from Spectrum to bring new fiber optic broadband services at no cost to the towns.

Please see below for more details about the results and how to sign up for the new service

A large thank you to all the committee members for their time and collective efforts.

Denmark, Fryeburg, and Lovell

The Maine Connectivity Authority determined that the most effective way to broaden service in towns that already had partial Spectrum service was to subsidize the buildout of their infrastructure to the locations lacking service. Denmark, Fryeburg, and Lovell are three towns that the MCA included in their ReachME line extension grant program.

Spectrum/MCA contract

Spectrum and the MCA signed the ReachMe contract in May. Spectrum’s work of extending their service lines is nearly complete and you can schedule an installation. The new infrastructure is fiber optic technology and is capable of high speeds. 

We were expecting that Spectrum would offer symmetrical service (same internet speed for downloads and uploads for example 300/300) for the new installations. It is not symmetrical for the most affordable service tiers. Spectrum explains they are working to upgrade their regional network and plan to offer more symmetrical service options in the future. For now, there are several levels of internet service to choose from as well as telephone service and cable television programming.

To get service, go to www.spectrum.com. Input your address and you will find your options. In addition to rates posted on their website, there is a low-cost option called Spectrum Internet Assist for those who qualify based on income level. The guidelines are available at https://www.lifelinesupport.org/.

If Spectrum denies service at your location, please contact your town office as they may be able to help.

Brownfield, Stoneham, Sweden, and Stow

These four towns are working directly with Spectrum to achieve service for their residents. Spectrum has committed to the investment in fiber optic infrastructure to serve most of the town’s residents.

New Service Availability

The latest information from Spectrum is that the town of Stow will be wired by the end of November, followed by Sweden completion by the end of the year, and Stoneham and Brownfield completion sometime in the first quarter of 2025.

Spectrum customer outreach

Spectrum plans to send representatives door to door to reach people as service becomes available.

Spectrum says that initially several service options will be available. Spectrum cautioned both the speed and cost tiers could change).

Numbers below indicate download and upload speeds.

    • 100/10. $24.99 per month.

    • 300/10. $54.99 per month. – $5 reduction if auto paid.

    • 500/20. $69.99 per month – $5 reduction if auto paid.

    • 1,000/50 $79.99 per month – $5 reduction if auto paid.

    • Wi-Fi / Router required, can be rented from Spectrum for +$7 per month or purchased from 3rd party

Most of these are introductory rates and will increase in price when the introductory period expires.

There are seasonal options for those people who are not full-time residents.

 There is a low-cost option called Spectrum Internet Assist for those who qualify based on income level. The guidelines are available at https://www.lifelinesupport.org/.

Digital literacy support for all seven towns 

Below are the digital equity resources available in Oxford County and on Community Concepts (CCFC) website at https://www.ccfcmaine.org/service/internet-computer-resources/

    • Now that the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) is gone, attached is a flyer with the name of a Community Concepts staff person, Julie Whitman who can help. She can help people apply for internet services if they don’t have it. Julie, the Digital Navigator, will also help people apply for internet service, if they don’t have it and the Spectrum Internet Assist program in-leu of the ACP.

    • DEVICES
        • CCFC has purchased 80 recycled MacBook Airs from SAD44 and 60 Samsung tablets plus another 50 recycled MacBook Airs from SAD72. They also purchased 50 refurbished laptops from GiveIT.GetIT. All these devices are being given away to Oxford County residents for free and targeted to people who cannot afford to buy a new device. CCFC have given away more than 120 devices primarily to Fedcap clients who receive TANF benefits.

    • SKILLS TO USE A DEVICE
        • The Digital Navigator provides free tech help at 9 libraries around the County every week. People can call and schedule an appointment in advance or just walk-in. She spends two hours at each location. We have just added Western Maine Primary Care to the list of tech help locations.

        • The National Digital Equity Center offers 40+ free online, interactive classes. There are eight locations in Oxford County that are on-site class locations for NDEC classes: Bethel Library, SAD44 Adult Education, Region 9 Adult Education, HOPE Association, UMA Rumford, the Progress Center, Fryeburg Library, Lake Region & Fryeburg Area Adult Education. NDEC and CCFC would love to have more locations in the County for these classes. Here are the NDEC classes that are offered at on-site locations in Oxford County now. 

Going Forward – Seven Town Contacts

Denmark, Lovell & Fryeburg

    • For homes denied service by Spectrum – Contact your town office.

    • For Digital Literacy support – Contact the local librarian or Community Concepts

 Brownfield

    • For homes denied service by Spectrum – Contact Erik Walker at mretw@yahoo.com

    • For Digital Literacy support – Contact Community Concepts

 Stow

    • For Digital Literacy support – Contact your local Library or Community Concepts

Stoneham

    • For Digital Literacy support – Contact Community Concepts

 Sweden

    • For homes denied service by Spectrum – Contact your town office.

    • For Digital Literacy support – Contact Community Concepts