In Maine, ReachME recipients are those who are in dire need of affordable digital connectivity. Last spring, Charter Communications and Maine Connectivity agreed that the cable company would receive $7 million in ReachME Line Extension Program funding. However, as Bangor Daily News reports, the deal may fall through if the two parties cannot agree on requirements related to affordable connectivity options for eligible participants.
Caribou, near the state’s northern border, has been counting on the extra funding to help its rural residents get connected, said the Caribou City Council. The local government approved a plan by Spectrum, which operates under the Charter Communication umbrella, to install internet service within the next 12 to 18 months. Charter, however, has balked at some of the requirements imposed by the Maine Connectivity Authority.
The agreement specified that ReachME participants are required to enroll in the Federal Communication Commission’s Affordable Connectivity Program. Qualifying low-income customers can receive a discount of at least $30 per month on their internet bills. Maine Connectivity Authority President, Andrew Butcher, indicated that this requirement was spelled out when Spectrum agreed to accept the ReachME funding in exchange for creating a network.
Discussions have been underway, reports the source, with the hope that an agreement can be reached by the end of the week, the News reported.
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