Question 47 on Wiscasset’s June 13 ballot asks Wiscasset voters to support a $183,200 appropriation from the Capital Reserve Fund to construct a high-speed, fiber-optic broadband network throughout Wiscasset. This is an important investment for Wiscasset. Here is why.

Many people have experienced the shortfalls of Wiscasset’s current internet options over the years, but the pandemic really made them visible. Wireless, DSL (digital subscriber line), and cable did not have the capacity to provide reliable internet service to multiple people in a household using the internet at the same time for work, school and participation in tele-health appointments.

Fiber-optic networks have much greater capacity, speed and reliability than current internet options. Fiber is considered the most future-proof technology to achieve high-speed broadband, now defined by Maine as a minimum of 100 Mbps (megabits per second) upload and 100 Mbps download speeds. Fiber networks lay a fiber strand directly to each premise (e.g., household, business, or facility) rather than sharing lines with other customers as DSL and cable do. Only seven of Wiscasset’s 1,888 premises currently meet this definition of having access to high-speed broadband.

The pandemic accelerated investment in fiber optic networks in rural communities that are not dense enough and profitable enough to attract private investment. Wiscasset has the opportunity to apply for both state and county funding from the federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) that will subsidize the cost of a fiber-optic network. Lincoln County will contribute a $100,000 match from its ARPA funding to towns that are building networks.

In 2022 the Wiscasset Broadband Committee commissioned a planning study to determine the viability and costs of a fiber network. After considering private and municipally owned internet options, the selectboard favored working with a private internet service provider (ISP) that would own and operate the network. The board has not finalized its selection, but the total cost will likely be less than $4 million.

The town also needs to invest in the network to be competitive for state and county grants, and to attract private investment from an ISP. Wiscasset’s investment would be less than 5% of the total cost of the network. Funds will only be spent if the town receives a grant.

Fiber networks are important for Wiscasset to attract and retain residents, businesses and young people. Many surrounding towns either have fiber-optic networks or are in the process of building them. We need fiber to remain competitive in the Midcoast.

This is an unprecedented opportunity for Wiscasset. It is unlikely we will see another one any time soon. I urge you to support question 47.

Carla Dickstein

Evan Goodkowsky

Marty Fox

Richard Litz

Larry Rines

Dusty Jones, liaison

Wiscasset Broadband Committee