BETHEL — There will be a free public forum on access to and affordability of high-speed Internet technology in the Bethel area.

It is scheduled from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 25, in the lecture hall at Telstar Regional High School. Light refreshments will be served.

Discussion will also include how high-speed Internet technology is being used in business and everyday life; how it is supporting communities; and how well existing broadband access is meeting the needs of the community.

Presenters include Rep. Norman Higgins, R-Dover-Foxcroft, a member of the Legislature’s Energy, Utility and Technology Committee; Susan Corbett, chief executive officer and founder of Axiom Technologies in Machias; and Lisa Leahy, associate executive director of the ConnectME Authority.

Representatives of Oxford Networks and Time Warner Cable — the most available local Internet service providers — will also participate.

High-speed Internet or broadband is critical infrastructure for business, education, health care, public safety and government operations. Oxford County lags behind most other Maine counties in adoption of the Internet. The primary barriers to broadband adoption are a lack of knowledge of the value of the Internet and computers and the cost of a broadband subscription.

The forum is organized with support from Maine West — a collaboration of nonprofit organizations and individuals dedicated to addressing systemic rural challenges and enhancing community well-being in western Maine through increased collaboration across economic, education, health and conservation sectors.

Co-sponsors include Coastal Enterprises, the ConnectME Authority, Community Concepts Finance Corp., and the Maine Broadband Coalition.