TDS Telecom, Swan's Island partner to win $1.7M grant for broadband upgrade in Maine
SWAN’S ISLAND, Maine – TDS Telecommunications LLC (TDS®) is excited to receive a grant in partnership with Swan’s Island of nearly $1.7 million to upgrade its internet services on the island.
The Maine Connectivity Authority (MCA) announced the grant as part of its Connect the Ready program, which distributed a total of $34 million for broadband projects across the state.
The TDS project, which covers all of Swan’s Island, will bring fiber internet to the community and upgrade customers’ speeds to up to 1Gig.
“We are pleased to improve a crucial connection point for Swan’s Island. This project will result in better and more reliable connections for those who live and work on the island,” said Andrew Petersen, TDS Senior Vice President of Corporate Affairs. “We thank the Maine Connectivity Authority for the award and its work to improve broadband access for Maine residents.”
Planning work has begun and fiber deployment will begin later this year. The grant funding is supplemented by funds from TDS and local jurisdictions.
The Swan’s Island project is just one component of TDS’ work to expand fiber communication services to a number of municipalities in Maine.
TDS has served Maine since 1971. In addition to private investment, TDS is leveraging Alternative Connect America funds to expand and improve broadband service to customers in Maine.