During the COVID-19 pandemic, having reliable, high-speed internet has become more crucial than ever. Our world has become virtual, and yet many rural areas in Maine either lack high-quality internet or have no internet at all.

I want to emphasize the importance of obtaining broadband access and infrastructure in all Maine communities for all Mainers. This goal would be bolstered by supporting L.D. 1235, state Sen. Rick Bennett’s $100 million broadband bond. This bond will allow federal funding to help build the infrastructure to expand broadband in rural Maine, giving 98 percent of Mainers internet access within the next five years.

Reliable internet is now more necessary than ever. Many families rely on internet access to stay connected to their loved ones who they may not have seen in person for months. Most students like me still have to take our classes remotely. I would fall far behind if I didn’t have strong internet!

The pandemic has shed a bright light on this broadband issue. According to BroadbandNow, 35,000 Mainers have an insufficient broadband connection, and 12,000 Mainers have no connection in their home at all. Nationwide, Maine ranks 43rd out of 50 in broadband access. I encourage readers to call their legislators to support the broadband bond, L.D. 1235. Every person in Maine deserves internet access. We must make this change happen!

Harrison Quidort
Portland

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