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Presque Isle broadband delivery to help Mi'kmaq Nation close digital divide

By Laurie Schreiber

The Mi’kmaq Nation is slated to get high-speed broadband across tribal communities in Presque Isle and surrounding areas — a step toward closing the digital divide and advancing tribal infrastructure.

The Mi’kmaq Nation, led by Chief Sheila McCormack, signed an exclusive multi-year agreement with Pioneer Broadband, a Houlton provider of rural fiber-optic internet services led by CEO Tim McAfee. 

Pioneer will provide internet through its fiber-optic network to Mi’kmaq Nation homes, community centers and government facilities. The project will initially serve more than 150 tribal homes and facilities within the first year, with plans for future expansion. It’s expected to support telehealth, education, remote work and tribal services.

The agreement includes flexible billing and service terms that scale with community growth, including volume-based and prepayment discounts designed to ensure affordability and long-term sustainability. 

Fred Corey, the Tribe’s director of information technology, helped ensure the agreement aligns with the Mi’kmaq Nation’s broadband goals, operational needs and long-term vision. 

Pioneer will maintain the network, provide 24/7 monitoring and handle installation logistics.

The company has previously supported broadband initiatives for other tribal and municipal communities across Washington and Aroostook counties. 

Founded in 2002, Pioneer Broadband is a locally owned fiber internet provider serving northern Maine. 

The Mi'kmaq Nation is a federally recognized tribal nation in Aroostook County. Regionally, the Mi'kmaq Nation comprises seven districts with 29 bands and a population of approximately 30,000. 

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