WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, in response to a series of initiatives announced by the President aimed at expanding broadband access across the country, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) released the following statement:

“Broadband Internet is the foundation for economic innovation and development in the 21st century,” Senator King said. “And municipalities in Maine are ahead of the curve, with Rockport and South Portland leading the charge in deploying globally-competitive, ultra-fast networks to attract investment and improve local services. I agree with the President that the country would do well to emulate these types of success stories, and I welcome his proposals to promote competition, lower regulatory burdens, and increase broadband investment across the country.”

In August, Senator King, along with Susan Crawford – President Obama’s former Special Assistant for Science, Technology, and Innovation – participated in the official launch of Maine’s first municipally-owned, ultra-fast fiber optic internet network in Rockport. The “High Tech Harbor” project delivers internet up to 100 times faster than a regular broadband connection to area homes and businesses.

Today President Obama announced steps to help more Americans, in more communities around the country, get access to fast and affordable broadband. The President specifically:

• called for an end to laws that prevent municipalities from creating broadband networks;
• announced the creation of a Community Broadband Summit to be held in June 2015 to expand the national movement of local leaders for better broadband;
• launched “BroadbandUSA”, an initiative to promote broadband deployment and adoption by offering online and in-person technical assistance to communities and by hosting regional workshops around the country, along with publishing guides for communities interested in expanding broadband;
• unveiled new grant opportunities to offer financing to eligible rural carriers that would like to invest in bringing high-speed internet to unserved and underserved rural areas;
• and remove regulatory barriers to help speed up broadband deployment, led by a newly-established Broadband Opportunity Council composed of more than a dozen government agencies to promote collaboration and solicit public input on unnecessary regulatory burdens

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