Infrastructure

Telecommunications

The best testament to the reliability and capacity of Maine’s communications network is the rapid growth of companies like T-Mobile, Putnam Investments, Seligman Data Corp., Forum Financial Services, I-many.com, and L.L. Bean. These are just a handful of the communications-based businesses that are thriving in Maine and whose success is dependent on an advanced, reliable communications system. Maine’s investment in communications has removed geographic barriers and has placed it in the center of the global marketplace.

REDUNDANT & RELIABLE

Based on FCC service quality data, Maine has some of the best service and reliability ratings in the country. Also, Maine’s communications companies are aggressively building redundancy and reliability in the network statewide using advanced fiber ring technology.

STATE-OF-THE-ART INFRASTRUCTURE

Maine has the first statewide ATM (Asynchronous Transfer Mode) fiber optic based network, one of the most technologically advanced networks available today. With ten ATM switch locations located throughout the state, this advanced network makes fiber optic technology available to all communities in Maine, giving businesses the freedom to select the most desirable location with the confidence that the best in telecommunications technology will be there.

A high-speed broadband technology, ATM supports today’s applications and has the strength to meet the emerging requirements of the future. In Maine, while the initial application for ATM is to facilitate real-time interactive distance learning in secondary schools, several major health care and commercial applications have been developed and key businesses are using ATM in their operations.

Maine is one of the first states with a 100% digitally switched network. Communications technologies are rated in terms of the speed in which they transmit signals. Digital networks can support advanced, higher bandwidth technologies at higher speeds. Because Maine’s system is 100 percent digitally switched, businesses locating here have access to the best available technology and the advanced services supported by this technology.

Digital switching and other notable telecommunications infrastructure improvements across the state are helping to competitively position Maine as an attractive environment where companies can benefit from enhanced productivity and efficiencies derived from utilizing state-of-the-art telecommunications technology. Additionally, this modern network is capable of supporting exciting innovative applications, such as distance learning and telemedicine. Digital switching is significant in that it provides enhanced functionality and reliability as well as the platform for the delivery of new services that will improve the way Mainers will be able to live, work and learn well into the next century.

Wireless, cable, and fiber optic technologies are available throughout Maine allowing businesses the freedom to select the most desirable location anywhere in the state. Maine has dark fiber, frame relay, DSL, ATM, T1, T3, OC3, OC12, OC48… the whole alphabet soup of cutting edge voice, data, and video services.

All of Maine’s populated areas have access to wireless service provided by either AT&T Wireless, Unicell (a RCC—Rural Communications Company), U.S. Cellular, or Verizon Wireless.

Time Warner Cable chose Portland, Maine, as one of its first sites to offer Road Runner (residential) and Road Runner Pro (business) cable internet service. The success of that market entry led Time Warner to recently select Portland as a beta site for its new cable telephone service. Other cable Internet companies in the state include Adelphia, Bee-Line Cable, Casco Cable, and Suscom. 100 percent of the state can access the Internet via dial-up, DSL, or cable through companies such as Oxford Networks, Time Warner Cable (Road Runner and Road Runner Pro), Verizon, Adelphia, Great Works Internet, Lightship Telecom, Panax, and Prexar.

PROGRESSIVE PUBLIC POLICY

Maine is on the leading edge of creating a healthy competitive environment in its communications industry based on progressive public policy. Businesses and consumers have a myriad of choices for carriers and services with Competitive Local Exchange Carriers (CLECs) operating in every large business market in the state.

Maine’s current public policy on telecommunications is one of the most supportive for economic development in the country. Maine does not tax interstate calls and Maine is one of the most nexus-friendly states in the U.S.

Nexus law defines corporate presence and the tax burdens that come with it. By being “nexus-friendly” Maine creates a safe haven in which call centers and their clients can avoid collecting and remitting sales tax. While other states are actually looking for ways to collect more taxes from nonresident companies, Maine revised its laws to save call centers and their clients time and money.

Strategic planning has ensured that Maine will remain a single area code state preventing the hassle and costs to businesses caused by adding and changing area codes. State policies have also lead to more households in Maine having telephone service than any other state.