Spellmeyer Talks to One of the Senate’s Most Influential Leaders for Bipartisan Broadband Funding
June 23, 2026— America’s Communications Association (ACA Connects) released a special edition of Independent Communications News (ICN) with an exclusive interview with Senator Susan Collins (R-ME). Her interview with ACA Connects President and CEO Grant Spellmeyer is part of his Capitol Connection interview series, which features conversations with influential leaders who are driving results in broadband deployment and telecommunications policy.
“In this new edition of Capitol Connection, I’m pleased to share a timely and insightful conversation with Senator Collins on the future of broadband policy,” said Spellmeyer. “Throughout our discussion, the Senator provides an on-the-ground update of how her leadership in major legislation and broadband funding programs has empowered America’s community-based providers to bridge the digital divide. Senator Collins also shares thoughtful reflections on America’s upcoming 250th anniversary and the responsibility policymakers have to invest wisely in the nation’s future.”
Senator Collins has played a pivotal role in shaping federal broadband investments during her time in the Senate. She was one of only 10 Senators who negotiated the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) and served as the lead Republican negotiator of the broadband working group alongside Senator Jeanne Shaheen. Their work led to the creation of the $42.5 billion Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program—one of the largest investments in broadband infrastructure in American history.
In her interview with Spellmeyer, she shares her broadband and communications priorities as Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee.
“I’m honored to be the first Mainer in nearly a century to serve as the Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee,” said Senator Collins. “This position allows me to directly advocate for my constituents in Maine by securing funding for improvements in the most important areas affecting the quality of life in our state—such as healthcare access, community infrastructure, childcare availability, and beyond. An area of particular focus for me is broadband access, especially in our rural areas. Broadband is a vital part of our nation’s infrastructure and the backbone of our modern economy. Regardless of what community people live in, Americans expect reliable broadband service to connect to their healthcare providers, their educators, and their families.”
She also celebrates the important contributions independent broadband providers, including ACA Connects members in Maine, are making in the communities they serve.
“Our community-based broadband providers are among the best in the nation,” she told Spellmeyer. “From our rural farming towns to our coastal fishing communities, I’m grateful for their on-the-ground expertise and commitment to connect more people to reliable, affordable high-speed internet. They are a critical support for our small businesses, schools, hospitals, and so many aspects of everyday life.”
Senator Collins’ full exclusive interview is available on acaconnects.org/ICN. This special edition of ICN celebrates America’s 250th birthday and the unique role local, community-based communication providers have shaped the story of our nation.
America’s Communications Association (ACA Connects) is a trade organization representing approximately 500 small and medium-sized, independent companies that provide high-speed internet, video, phone, and mobile services covering 29 million households. ACA Connects members operate in every state, providing advanced communications to connect homes, companies, main street, schools, hospitals and more. America’s economic prosperity in smaller communities and rural areas depends on the growth and success of independent operators, who believe a connected nation is a prosperous nation. For more information, visit www.acaconnects.org.