Broadband could be Maine's communication backbone

(NEWS CENTER) --The actual construction work won't attract a lot of attention, but the project called the "3 Ring Binder" could be one of the most important Mainers have seen in years.

Work is expected to begin by fall on construction of 1,100 miles of new, high-capacity, fiber optic communications line through much of Maine. The project is being paid for by a $25 million Federal grant, and seven and a half million in private investment. The goal of the 3 Ring Binder is to provide affordable, high speed Internet service, also known as broadband, to areas and customers not presently served, and those who are under-served.

The project was conceived by GWI of Biddeford and the University of Maine, among others. The government funding comes from federal stimulus money targeting broadband access, and several other states, including New Hampshire, have also received large grants. The new fiber optic cable will be what's called "middle mile" service. The cable will not connect directly to customers. Instead, it will connect towns and cities to the large Internet hubs or "nodes" in Portland, where the fastest service comes into the state. Local Internet Service Providers in each community will then be able to connect to the new fiber network so they can sell service to customers. The cable will run through Maine in three large loops, or rings, hence the name, 3 Ring Binder.

Some of Maine's telephone companies were opposed to the project at the beginning. A spokesman for the Maine Telephone Association, an industry lobbying group, says the private businesses saw the project as government-financed competition,but after a series of meetings between the phone companies, Maine Fiber Company and members of the legislature,  the phone companies are now working cooperatively with Maine Fiber to get the project built and working. The companies still have some concerns that the subsidized service could hurt their income, but he also acknowledges some private phone companies, many of whom are also ISP's, may use the new service themselves.

Josh Broder of the Maine Fiber Company says providing greater access to broadband will help businesses grow and expand, and will also improve access to government services, education and health care.

The University of Maine plans to have high spend broadband connections between all of its campuses and project supporters say it will allow far easier exchange of research and other data with the UM system and with researchers in other places.

Hospitals are expected to make use of the new system to share patient test information, such as MRIs and other images, as well as allowing easier use of new electronic medical records systems which are expected to develop in the new few years.

Supporters of the Binder also predict broadband access will be a major business boost for rural Maine. They say it will "level the playing field", because the subsidized broadband service will be much more affordable than what is currently available in many places.

Susan Corbett of Axiom Technology in Machias says, "I have no doubt this will bring new businesses and new jobs here. Because once you have the infrastructure in place, then the business has a place to go. If you're a business and it doesn't matter geographically where you are, because of whatever you're building or selling, then what a beautiful place to have a business. Once you have the infrastructure in place, whether you live in Portland or Dennysville, Maine won't make a difference."