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Chris Martin of give IT. get IT.
June 18, 2025
Maine program to give old tech a new life for those in need
As part of its mission to boost broadband access across the state, the Maine Connectivity Authority is launching a program to distribute used digital devices to veterans, students, older adults and low-income households.
“Getting people a device that meets their needs for work, school, health care or other personal benefits is one of the most direct ways to enable internet access,” said Jessica Perez, the agency’s digital equity manager.
The Maine Tech Share program, developed in partnership with a Waterville nonprofit called give IT. get IT, aims to source 25,000 tablets, laptops and phones over the next few years for the effort.
Give IT. get IT is a licensed and permitted electronics recycler.
“Maine business leaders who value our mission are the reason we have been able to provide more than 20,000 personal computers from Kittery to Fort Kent since 2002,” said Chris Martin, co-founder of give IT. get IT.
"Our partners benefit by safely donating their electronics, and we destroy the data, file compliance reports, and recycle and reuse everything we can to redistribute the technology,” he said. “The whole process is a win for our partners, the environment and our community.”
Maine’s Digital Equity Plan, approved in 2024, identifies access to an affordable, effective device for those who need one as a critical strategy to closing the digital divide.
Nearly a third of low-income individuals and families indicated that they did not have enough devices to meet their needs. Age and quality of devices was also a consistent issue for enabling reliable internet connection.
Over the last three years, the Maine Connectivity Authority has facilitated high-speed connections for 86,000 homes and businesses across the state.
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