Maine is making headway on expanding broadband access statewide. The state has partnered with the University of Maine and Redzone Wireless on the expansion effort. Redzone will be building out a 4G LTE infrastructure for the state.
Redzone had previously announced approval from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to operate using the Educational Broadband Service (EBS) Spectrum granted under the company’s exclusive lease agreement with the University of Maine System.
The company further plans to expand network coverage to a total of 15 areas reaching over 25% of Maine’s population by the end of 2015.
Redzone was given a $4 million dollar loan from Camden National Bank in Maine for the project. This follows the Finance Authority of Maine’s (FAME) recent board approval to insure the loan.
So far, Portland and Waterville have service from the Redzone network. The expansion plan is notable as the state typically ranks near the bottom for broadband availability and has failed to mount a full scale effort led by the state government.
“While this is an important milestone for Redzone and Maine, our long term goal is to continue expanding coverage to reach more than 90% of Maine’s residents and businesses within a few short years,” said Jim McKenna, Redzone Wireless President.
