NPR

Coastal Islanders Band Together For Broadband

If you've ever dreamed of the good life on one of Maine's coastal islands, be forewarned: the Internet ranges from lousy to nonexistent.
Rebecca Powell telecommutes as a graphic designer for a college in Massachusetts. She regularly sets up shop in the foyer of the Great Cranberry Library, the only place with a fast internet connection on the island.

If you've ever dreamed of the good life on one of Maine's coastal islands, be forewarned: jobs are few, mainly in lobstering, boat-building and ... caretaking summer residences. And if you're thinking "no problem, I can telecommute!" — think again, because internet access on the islands ranges from lousy to nonexistent.

Islanders struggling to maintain year 'round communities say that's a big problem. But now some Maine lobstermen and would-be telecommuters are banding together to pay for costly new infrastructure they hope will help preserve a threatened

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