AUGUSTA -- The ConnectME Authority has awarded six grants to expand broadband communications services to rural areas in Maine, the governor's office announced today.

A total of more than $1.75 million was awarded to the recipients, expanding services to an estimated 12,500 residents.

Grants were awarded to Axiom Technologies in Steuben; Axiom Technologies to serve 31 towns in Washington County; Cornerstone Communications to serve 17 towns in the Moosehead Lake region; Mainely Wired to serve the town of Penobscot and surrounding area; Redzone Wireless to serve Mount Desert Island and surrounding communities; and Franklin Community Health Network.

"While all six projects are exciting and effective solutions to the increasing necessity for broadband services in rural Maine, being able to assist the Franklin Community Health Network is particularly satisfying," said Phil Lindley, Executive Director of the ConnectME Authority. "This project is a long-term investment in the technology infrastructure of a very rural area of Maine that will provide access to state-of-the-art health services as well as providing potential economic development benefits to businesses in the area."

The ConnectME Authority expects to conduct a third round of grant awards next spring, based on funding availability.