February 8, 2021

Hello Students and Families,

In my last news article a little over a week ago, you were made aware that the State wanted to know more about your Internet speed. Today, we received a message that made sense of this request. We have received a message from RedZone Wireless announcing their partnership with Maine Department of Education (MDOE) to bring high speed Internet service to some homes in Maine. The MDOE identified towns that were defined as most needy according to the speed tests that were taken by households. After towns were identified, anyone in the town may apply for this free/low cost service.

Two of the six towns in RSU 57 are part of the targeted towns, Lyman and Shapleigh. If you are from Lyman or Shapleigh with a school-aged resident (PK-College) OR are a teacher from any of the towns listed, you could qualify. Please read the following excerpt from the Redzone Wireless website to see if you qualify.

If there is even a small chance that you qualify, please visit the Redzone Wireless web page to get more information and register.

Deadline: February 28, 2021 (register soon!!)

Cost: Installation and the first three months are free with the following three months available for a small fee. (see the website for more information)

MAINE CONNECT THE KIDS 2021 FREE BROADBAND PROGRAM FOR REMOTE LEARNING
The Maine Department of Education (DOE) has received emergency federal funding because of the pandemic to provide high-speed internet connections to student (K-12 and College) and teacher households that do not currently have Internet access at 25/3 Mbps.
LIMITED TIME OFFER Free Broadband is Available for Eligible Student and Teacher Households in selected areas in the following communities:
Atkinson, Augusta, Belfast, Belmont, Bradford, Buckfield, Byron, Caribou, Charleston, Chelsea, Chester, Dexter, East Machias, Exeter, Fayette, Garland, Hartford, Hebron, Jay, Jefferson, Lincoln, Lincolnville, Lyman, Marshfield, Mattamiscontis, Mattawamkeag, Mexico, Minot, Monroe, Montville, Morrill, Northport, Norway, Orrington, Oxford, Paris, Pittston, Rumford, Sangerville, Searsmont, Shapleigh, Somerville, South Paris, Sumner, Swanville, Union, Waldo, Waldoboro, Warren, Washington, West Paris, Whitefield, Windsor, Woodland, Woodville
Redzone has been authorized by the DOE to construct and install internet connections in these communities at no charge.
How to Qualify for the Free Internet Program:

Service location is home to a K-12, or enrolled college student
Address is within an Eligible Community
No recent Redzone Wireless Broadband service at location
Completed application received by February 28
Installation of Redzone Broadband receiver is authorized

See the web page for further information.

Kevin Perkins
Director of Technology

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