Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Maine Department of Education has received federal emergency funding that can be used to provide high-speed broadband connections to K-12 student and teacher households, as well as households with enrolled college students, that currently do not have access to minimum internet speeds of 25 Mbps download and 3 Mbps upload, according to a news release. 

Tidewater Telecom and Lincolnville Networks has been approved by the Maine DOE and the ConnectME Authority to build out its high-speed fiber optic network to eligible student households in Hope, Appleton and Lincolnville.

“It’s an honor work as partners with the School Districts and Municipal officials in Hope, Appleton and Lincolnville,” said Shirley Manning, Owner and President of Tidewater Telecom and Lincolnville Networks. “By collaborating with our community partners we were able to successfully secure the federal funding need to extend high-speed fiber optic broadband to over 300 student and teacher households in those three towns. Our goal is to provide 100% Fiber to the Home (FTTH) to all communities
we serve. With the leadership of the ConnectME Authority, DECD Commissioner Johnson and Governor Mills, we are making a quantum leap forward toward that goal.”

“Our mission is to provide high quality, equitable educational opportunities to the students of Hope, Appleton and Lincolnville,” said Five Town CSD Superintendent Maria Libby and School Union 69 Superintendent Kate Clark, in a joint statement. “One necessary tool to help us reach this goal, especially during the pandemic, is access to high speed internet. Once considered more of a luxury, the internet has now become something of a utility, like heat or electricity, and yet some of our families do not have the opportunity to access broadband because of where they live. We are fortunate that LCI and Tidewater made the effort to seek out these funds and build the infrastructure to take us all a step closer to broadband access for all, especially during this time where many students are accessing their education remotely.” 

Who qualifies for this special offer?

This offer is available to those who meet the following four qualifications:
1. Has a K-12 student/teacher or a currently enrolled college student living in the house.
2. Lives at an eligible student/teacher addresses in Appleton, Lincolnville or Hope (currently not receiving at least 25 Mbps download x 3 Mbps upload internet service)
3. Not connected to Tidewater Telecom/Lincolnville Networks’ O.P.E.N.™ fiber network (new fiber optic internet customers only).
4. Submits a signed application for service by December 30.

How will eligible student households be notified?

K-12 student and teacher households in Hope, Appleton and Lincolnville that may be eligible for this special program will receive emails and texts directly from the Five Town CSD and School Union 69 Superintendents’ Office. The email/text from the Superintendents will provide all the application information, including the direct online application link for this Special Program offer.

Enrolled college student households and other student or teacher households in Hope, Appleton and Lincolnville that may be eligible for this special program can contact Tidewater Telcom/Linconville Networks at students@tidewater.net to see if they meet the eligibility criteria for this Special Program offer.

What is included in the Special Offer?

Tidewater Telcom and Lincolnville Networks will require a 1-year contract – you will receive*:
o FREE fiber optic installation at your address (no up-front cost to you)
o FREE Router (no monthly charge)
o FREE internet service (100 x 100 Meg) for the first 6 months
▪ you will pay $69.95 per month for the second 6 months.
▪ at the end of the 12-month period, you can:
• discontinue service
• switch to 50 x 10 Meg service for $69.95/month
• or upgrade to a higher speed (i.e., 100 x 20 Mbps for $89.95/month).
*NOTE – offer valid only for new O.P.E.N.™ fiber optic internet customers

How do I learn more and apply?
If you did NOT receive an email or text from the Five Town CSD or School Union 69 Superintendents’ Office and believe you may be an eligible student or teacher household in Lincolnville, Appleton or Hope, please email Tidewater Telecom at students@tidewater.net. 

To Learn more and Apply go to tidewater.net/students