Area residents and businesses are being asked to help plan for improved broadband services by providing information on internet use, affordability and quality, and about their future needs. Whitefield, Dresden, Edgecomb, Westport Island, Wiscasset, and Jefferson are working together under a Lincoln County Regional Planning Commission effort primarily funded by a Connect-ME Broadband Planning grant. 

The surveys are the first part of documenting the broadband goals and needs of these communities. Next steps include meeting with current service providers, documenting town policies and procedures for installing services, and recommending service improvements.

Towns are contacting residents and businesses with online surveys, paper copies, or both. Wiscasset, Edgecomb, and Jefferson have online links on their town websites; Edgecomb, Jefferson, Dresden, and Somerville have printed copies at their town offices. Dresden also has copies at the Bridge Library and Dresden Take-out. Somerville has emailed many residents and will be making personal visits. If you’re interested in participating, please contact your town office. Two towns – Whitefield and Westport Island – are still finalizing their outreach activities.

Somerville residents are reminded that the Somerville Broadband Committee will meet Tuesday, Jan. 8, at 6 p.m. at the Town Office. Somerville questions can be directed to Frank Hample, at fhample351@aol.com. In Wiscasset, please call the Wiscasset Area Chamber of Commerce, 882-9600 for more information. The 7-town Broadband Committee will meet in mid-to-late January to look at survey responses.

Improved broadband services are critical for the future growth of Lincoln County’s small and medium-size businesses, for quality education and health care services, and to keep up with global connections and trends in tourism, manufacturing, marine sciences, real estate, and other key regional sectors. For more information about the ConnectME project, call 882-5983.