PORTLAND, Maine - State and business officials teamed up with University of Maine representatives Wednesday morning to highlight the expansion of broadband network infrastructure in the state. The event in Portland was organized by Camden-based company Redzone Wireless to announce its next generation 4G LTE advanced broadband network.
Redzone President Jim McKenna says three communities are now covered by its network, including Portland and Waterville. By the end of the year, he says the goal is to expand this to 15 communities covering 25 percent of the state, and within 24 months to reach more than 90 percent of Maine residents and businesses.
"We have a solemn obligation to get this right," McKenna said, "to maximize the use of our spectrum and our technology for the benefit of the people of Maine." McKenna says Maine is consistently ranked 48th or 49th in the country in broadband speed and availability, and as a state in which to do business.
The University of Maine System is a partner with Redzone in the deal. UMS Chancellor James Page says the partnership should help the system extend its reach. "It opens up the possibility, as the system builds out, for us really to reach a number of underserved communities, in terms of broadband."
And this, he says, would mean more learning opportunties for more Mainers.