Three members of China’s Broadband Committee met Dec. 7 to hear first-hand about failure to get a state grant this fall and future possibilities (see the Dec. 7 issue of The Town Line, p. 3).
Jayne Sullivan, of local Direct Communications subsidiary UniTel, led the discussion. She explained that the Maine Connectivity Authority (MCA), the grant-awarding body, had an advisory group’s recommendation not to fund China’s project under the 2023 Connect the Ready program.
The MCA board is scheduled to meet Dec. 12, Sullivan said.
But, she said, “It’s not over ‘til it’s over.” There is more state money available, which MCA board members might allocate to Connect the Ready, perhaps giving China a second chance in the near future.
Until the MCA board decides what to do with that money, Sullivan recommended CBC members postpone decisions.
The next round of grant applications Sullivan expects will involve a different model and different mapping of broadband service areas, though she does not yet have details.
UniTel and Direct Communications intend to continue to “fight for China,” Sullivan promised.
Committee members scheduled another meeting for 4 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 4, agreeing to cancel it if they have no further information by then.
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by Mary Grow
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