PORTLAND (AP) — When it comes to high-speed Internet service, Maine lags behind most of the nation.

Analysts say only Montana has less capacity to offer education, medical assistance, commerce and economic development via the Web.

Officials told The Portland Press Herald (http://bit.ly/1a0peUS ) the reasons for Maine’s poor broadband infrastructure include the state’s vast rural areas, a lack of tax incentives for network improvement, the aging population and inadequate understanding of the benefits of high-speed access.

The ConnectME Authority, a state entity working on ensuring all Mainers have access to broadband, is addressing the issue.

The Maine Technology Users Group, an organization of operators and large users of broadband digital infrastructure, has scheduled a conference Wednesday in South Portland to assess the state of high-speed Internet access in the state and its future.