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Scenario Two: Connectivity and Digital Transformation

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Scenario Two: Connectivity and Digital Transformation

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CEDS goal: Fast, affordable internet available to anyone in the AWEDD region, regardless of where they live or work.

SCENARIO
By late 2023, the competition to dominate space between billionaires Jeff Bezos (Project Kuiper) and Elon Musk (Starlink), as well as Boeing and others, results in affordable satellite-based internet anywhere in the AWEDD region. Sign-up deals and other incentives make it easy for nearly anyone to get fast internet with low latency wherever they live and work. Monthly bills below $50 make it cheaper than other fiber and cell service options, while offering faster average speeds.

This new access benefits farmers, local businesses, people working or learning from home, and telehealth services. Affordable and comprehensive internet access accelerates the digital transformation across all business sectors and opens many businesses in northern and Downeast Maine to new customers (and potential competitors.) Local telecom providers, as well as national wireless carriers, all see a drop in business. Some rural municipalities must fulfill the remainder of existing five- or ten-year contracts with fiber providers and see large losses as people switch to satellite internet providers. After years of trying to get broadband, several communities were able to secure federal and state funding for new fiber projects and have obligations to build that infrastructure.

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Natural Resources and Climate Change

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Memo - Adpative Planning Session 1 Key Findings - NMDC

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Connectivity and Digital Transformation

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Memo - Stakeholder and Business Survey - NMDC Resiliency Strategy

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Changing Workforce

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Energy Evolution

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Manufacturing and Supply Chain

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Software engineering coursework at the University level should be proactive rather than reactive.

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Software engineering coursework at the University level should be proactive rather than reactive.

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Create partnerships with MSSM or other excelling mathematic school programs to develop rural software and cybersecurity engineers

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Create partnerships with MSSM or other excelling mathematic school programs to develop rural software and cybersecurity engineers

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Satellite is still considered unaffordable to many in rural Maine. Some will remain on the wrong side of the digital divide.

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Federal and State funding programs like RDOF and the $300M projected to come to MCA for broadband buildout in underserved areas will deliver more futureproof connectivity (bidirectional gigabit) via FTTH. Satellite will be best for very low density roads and this may delay full satellite deployment necessary to address bandwidth and latency. Satellite technology may not be funded enough to meet promises.

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Set expectations. Identify what role satellite internet will play (not everything to everyone) as much of the world moves toward full and adequate internet connectivity. Messaging comes from the top in US and Maine.

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Begin education in schools on how internet can be used beyond getting likes on social media. Educate all on how it can be used to to gain a professional advantage, whether through education or business connectivity.

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Present concept to school administration in hopes of building into curriculum at appropriate grades.

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Micro-Credentials - Student Success (maine.edu)

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About University of Maine System Micro-Credentials
The 2021 University of Maine System Micro-Credential Initiative Summit will be on Monday, November 29th - Friday, December 3rd. For more information and to register, visit the Summit Information page!
A "micro-credential" showcases your competency in skills that are needed in today's workforce. A verified micro-credential is earned when learners are able to demonstrate what they know - and what they are able to do - related to a specific topic.

University of Maine System (UMS) micro-credentials are made up of stacked digital badges, which highlight the skills employers are seeking. They are offered to University of Maine System students and as professional development opportunities for individuals already in the workforce to advance or increase their marketability. Micro-credentials earned through the University of Maine System are:
Validated Evidence-Based Sharable Portable Stackable
In the process of earning a micro-credential, learners will:

Receive rigorous training

Practice the skills that are sought after by employers

Apply their learning in a work-based setting

Receive feedback on their performance

Earn digital credentials

What are UMS micro-credential pathways?

As you progress along your micro-credential path you will receive milestone badges:
University of Maine System Micro-Credential Level 3 Badge Level 2 Badge Level 1 Badge
Each University of Maine System micro-credential is designed to take students from the basic understanding of a topic through application of skills in a real-world professional work setting. Learn about the levels below:

What are the benefits to earning micro-credentials?

Keep current.

Upskill and reskill

Receive training and work-experience

Strengthen your narrative and digital identity.

Communicate your skills to employers

Showcase your skills and stand out.

Get verified and share your badges

Continue to learn.

Keep coming back for more!
*See the eligibility criteria for each micro-credential.
Learn more about micro-credentials for:

Start on your path with a University of Maine System micro-credential!

Who can earn UMS micro-credentials and badges*?

Enrolled UMS undergraduate and graduate students

Community members, professionals and adult learners

Youth badges are coming soon!

Contact Us

Do you have questions? Send an email to ums.mc@maine.edu.

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The 2021 University of Maine System Micro-Credential Initiative Summit will be on Monday, November 29th - Friday, December 3rd. For more information and to register, visit the Summit Information page! A "micro-credential" showcases your competency in skills that are needed in today's workforce.

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Some businesses not yet thinking about this. Not taking advantage of things they can do now/today online or digitally. Missing opportunities. Why?

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Access to broadband was a top issue as to why people don't travel to the County

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Access to broadband was a top issue as to why people don't travel to the County

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(study a few years ago)