At the behest of the State of Maine, Axiom Technologies spearheaded the project and will provide services via the now-installed cable. Axiom commissioned Pioneer Consulting to provide key advice and connect the project to pivotal resources. Funding for this project came in the form of a $1.2 million grant from the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) and the State of Maine as part of a larger $28 million grant being administered by the Maine Connectivity Authority and intended to support broadband expansion into underserved, and especially rural, communities.
“Like municipal power and introduction of telecommunications before it, access to high-speed internet is a transformational project for Isle au Haut,” said Mark Ouellette, President and CEO of Axiom. “Broadband is a critical link for sustainable communities. It can support local businesses, attract year-round residents, encourage remote workers to settle on the Island and enhance the cultural and economic life of the whole community. Axiom is proud to be at the center of this critical project.”
“Subsea cables are ideal for communities like Isle Au Haut who wish to build a future-proof system and also avoid large microwave towers that disrupt natural vistas near Acadia National Park,” said Gavin Tully, Managing Partner at Pioneer Consulting. “It’s a winning solution for everyone, and Pioneer is proud to help bring broadband infrastructure to rural communities. Unlike most of our long-haul, international projects, Isle au Haut has given us the opportunity to work directly with the end-users, the people themselves, who will benefit from this broadband service.”
Newington NH-based SubCom was chosen to supply the critical link of the subsea cable. Due to the variable and sometimes rocky nature of the Maine seabed, SubCom offered its state-of-the-art SL17 Special Application (SPA) fiber optic cable to ensure long-term survivability. “SubCom is very pleased to supply the cable for this vital project,” said David Coughlan, CEO of SubCom. “Connecting communities is what we’re all about. And as a New England company, it’s a special opportunity to take part in connecting a place we know and love so well.”
