To address this issue, Maine will provide free Starlink satellite dishes to these 9,000 homes and businesses, enabling them to access internet services.

Starting in mid-November, eligible residents can apply for the subsidized Starlink equipment, which will be available through an enrollment portal.

Eligible participants will need to cover their monthly subscription fees for Starlink, which currently range from $90 to $120, depending on usage.

Maine Governor Janet Mills has set an ambitious goal for universal internet access for all residents by the end of 2023, emphasizing the importance of connectivity to avoid leaving people in the 'digital dark.'

In addition to the Starlink initiative, more information about resources for individuals with unreliable internet will be available on the MCA website in the coming weeks.

The initiative is spearheaded by the Maine Connectivity Authority (MCA), which aims to expand high-speed broadband across the state.

Central to this effort is the Working Internet ASAP Program, which focuses on connecting the 1.5 percent of Maine homes and businesses that currently lack internet access.

Approximately 9,000 locations in Maine are identified as lacking any internet connectivity, with the majority situated in Oxford, Aroostook, and Penobscot counties.

Starlink, a subsidiary of SpaceX, was selected through a competitive bidding process to supply the satellite hardware and services for this program.

While the total cost for the Starlink equipment, including shipping and installation, is still being finalized, early estimates suggest it could be around $5.4 million.

Looking ahead, the MCA plans to facilitate an additional $350 million in federal funding starting in 2025 to further improve internet access for those with slow or unreliable connections.

The Broadband Equity Access and Deployment (BEAD) program has shifted focus to include funding for alternative technologies like satellite internet, alongside traditional fiber deployment.