The Three Ring Binder will be a high-tech shot in the arm for Maine’s rural regions. Let’s face it, in the 21st century, even the smallest of businesses need high-speed Internet access to thrive. Whether one is selling blueberry jam or composite construction materials, affordable and fast Internet service is required.

The Three Ring Binder will enable 10 of the University of Maine System’s campuses to be joined in a high-speed data network. It will also improve data transmission for three of the state’s community college campuses.

This fiber-optic superhighway will also enable improved 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 would be especially beneficial to rural health care providers. It would 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 communities serviced by the Three Ring Binder will enjoy improved access to broadband services at competitive prices. This “middle mile” network of fiber optics should entice a range of Internet service providers to enter these markets and compete fiercely for business.