The Three Ring Binder is expected to do much to enhance the availability of broadband throughout rural Maine and to help important institutions meet the demand for 21st century data management.

One of the beneficiaries of the project will be the University of Maine System. The Three Ring Binder will link 10 of the system´s campuses in a high-speed data network. It will also improve data transmission for three of the state´s community college campuses.

The fiber-optic superhighway will also improve communications for 38 government facilities, including 13 of Maine´s county courthouses, 11 county jails and 14 Maine Department of Health and Human Services district offices. In addition, local libraries and schools would enjoy better access to broadband services.

The project will be especially beneficial to rural health care providers. It is expected to have direct benefits for the New England TeleHealth Consortium and the Franklin County Healthcare Network as they implement their plans to establish advanced healthcare networks as part of the FCC´s Rural Healthcare Pilot Program.

And, of course, the Mainers living in the 110,000 homes in the more than 100 communities serviced by the Three Ring Binder should enjoy improved access to broadband services at competitive prices, as will area businesses. This middle-mile network of fiber-optic cable should entice a range of Internet service providers to enter these markets and compete fiercely for business.