WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King applauded the announcement that Cranberry Isles will receive a grant of $1,320,373 from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), under the Community Connect Broadband Grant Program administered by the Rural Utilities Service.

“Broadband connectivity is a requirement for communities and businesses to stay competitive in the 21^st century economy, but unfortunately many rural areas are lagging behind,” said Senators Collins and King.  “The Town of Cranberry Isles has worked diligently with both public and private partners to close the digital divide, and we are thrilled that this grant will help speed up their efforts.”

The announced USDA grant is the latest in the Cranberry Isles’ efforts to improve internet connectivity.  Last year, the Town voted to provide funding of up to $1.2 million for a high-speed fiber-wireless network, and partnered with Axiom Technologies which is contributing approximately 15 percent of construction costs.  Little Cranberry Island (Islesford) is currently 100 percent connected through this new network, and installation for Sutton and Great Cranberry Islands are ongoing.

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