Lincoln County fiber partnership with Fidium, Maine Connectivity Authority named Leading Lights Award winner

Fiber build project partnership between Fidium, Maine Connectivity Authority and Lincoln County, which helped deliver countywide access to future-proof fiber connectivity, wins award for Bridging the Digital Divide

LINCOLN COUNTY, Maine – Sept. 17, 2026 – Fidium, Maine's leading fiber internet and network services provider connecting people, businesses and communities with its 100% fiber-to-the-premise network, has announced that its partnership with Maine Connectivity Authority (MCA) and Lincoln County has been named the winner of the Outstanding Use Case: Bridging the Digital Divide category in the 22nd Annual Leading Lights Awards.

The Leading Lights, presented by Light Reading, is the communications industry's most prestigious honor, recognizing top companies, products, teams and executives for outstanding achievement in next-generation telecommunications technology, services, strategies and innovations. 

“This year's competition was very steep,” said Phil Harvey, editor-in-chief of Light Reading and jury chairman of the Awards. “For its partnership with the Maine Connectivity Authority and Lincoln County, this honor signals Fidium’s commitment to progress, ingenuity and sharp execution, and makes their work an indelible force in our industry.” 

Recognition from Light Reading celebrates a historic milestone for Lincoln County, which became the first county in Maine with fiber access in every town. In partnership with MCA and Lincoln County, Fidium expanded fiber connectivity to 37,000 area homes and businesses across 30 communities, including Alna, Boothbay, Boothbay Harbor, Dresden, Edgecomb, Nobleboro, Southport, Waldoboro, Whitefield, Wiscasset and Woolwich.

“This project reflects what's possible when there is a community driven project at a regional scale enabling meaningful public-private partnerships,” said Andrew Butcher, president of Maine Connectivity Authority. “As the state agency responsible for facilitating comprehensive connectivity in Maine - MCA is grateful for all of the planning and coordination of community partners and for all of Fidium’s listening and investment. I'm proud to see this effort recognized, and it's a great example of what we can accomplish together for Maine." 

Fiber construction was completed in Lincoln County in just eight months, with multi-gig speeds available to homes and businesses by August 2025. New connectivity has enabled access to benefits including work-from-home, remote education, telehealth and entertainment opportunities, as well as cost-savings and the launch of community-led digital equity programming.

“There were people in this county who had no options at all, not being able to take advantage of anything online,” said Lincoln County Commissioner Evan Goodkowsky. “That's changed now, and it's going to change those people's lives in a real way. This recognition reflects years of cooperative work between towns, the county, local committees, and partners like Fidium and MCA staying committed to something that mattered." 

“This project was truly a community effort,” said Judy Tunkle of the Dresden Broadband Committee. “From committee members bringing their own strengths and stepping up, to Fidium and MCA lending the expertise and investment needed. It was one of the most rewarding experiences, watching folks from all walks of life come together with a shared purpose. And the impact goes far beyond infrastructure. I think of the grandmother who reads library books to her grandkids over video chat, or the opportunity for a business incubator here in town. That kind of connection wasn’t possible before. Fiber is going to continue to help us stay connected, informed, and engaged as a community.”

As further evidence of the impact of the fiber expansion project, Fidium recently earned top local rankings in Lincoln County* for fastest download speeds, most reliable internet speeds, and most responsive internet speeds.

“Across the state, Fidium is connecting Mainers to the reliability and opportunity that comes with fiber-optic connectivity,” said Sarah Davis, vice president of Market Development for Fidium. “Having the choice to live in some of the most beautiful areas of Maine that people once considered remote and unconnected, because they now are connected, is truly incredible. We are honored for the recognition from Light Reading for our partnership with Lincoln County and Maine Connectivity Authority, as this project is testament to our efforts to connect unserved and underserved locations across our communities.” 

To learn more or check fiber availability, visit FidiumFiber.com. 

*Based on Ookla® Speedtest Intelligence® data for Q1-Q2 2026 on median download speeds, median upload speeds, consistency score, and multi-server latency. Results based on consumer-initiated tests. All rights reserved. 

About Fidium 

Fidium is a next-generation fiber internet and network services company on a mission to be America’s favorite and fastest-growing fiber provider. As a fiber operator focused on unserved and underserved communities, Fidium delivers lightning-fast, reliable internet that’s refreshingly easy to use. With future-ready technology, a customer-first approach, and a growing national fiber footprint, Fidium is redefining what “better internet” enables: supporting homes, small businesses, schools, hospitals and entire communities with connectivity that is foundational to modern life, opportunity and economic growth. Fiber Up and learn more at FidiumFiber.com. 

About Light Reading: 

Light Reading is an independent B2B digital media platform that provides daily news, analysis, and insights for the global communications industry. Our coverage aims to inform and enlighten everyone working in this vital, multi-trillion-dollar sector. Founded in 2000, Light Reading is part of Informa TechTarget's broader portfolio of specialist research, media and training for businesses and professionals working in technology. Our podcasts include The Divide, Signal Strength, and The Light Reading Podcast. Light Reading is the leading resource for telecom, mobile and cable network operators, hyperscale cloud providers, and the companies that develop and supply them with technology, applications and professional services. The editorial team has been reporting on key communications industry trends since the turn of the century through an unrivaled network of expert journalists and contributors worldwide.