High Speed Internet Service expanding
ANDROSCOGGIN VALLEY — Access to high speed Internet access is expanding in the Androscoggin Valley with service soon to be available to more than 8,300 homes in Berlin, Gorham, Randolph, and Shelburne.
Fidium Fiber, a subsidiary of Consolidated Communications, is installing the new lines and constructing the fiber network now. Jeffrey McIver, senior government relations manager for Consolidated Communications, said the four communities are the first with more locations including Dummer and Milan scheduled to be built out later this year.
“Fidium Fiber will be made available to more than 16,000 homes and businesses in Coos County in 2024, and more than 35,000 homes and businesses across the state,” McIver said.
Residents in those areas will have access to plans offering up to 2 Gigs of service. McIver said Fidium Fiber will be available to residents without contracts, data caps, installation fees, or hassles. He said the company also offers Fidium@Work with the addition of more robust features that entrepreneurs need to keep their business connected.
The expansion is part of a $40 million contract between Fidium Fiber and the New Hampshire Department of Business and Economic Affairs to bring broadband coverage to areas not served or underserved by high speed access. Fidium Fiber was the successful bidder for the contract, beating out two other bidders, Hub66 and Comcast.
Federal funds from the Biden administration’s American Rescue Plan Act are covering the $40 million contract. Fidium Fiber is providing a 27 percent match or approximately $15 million.
The project will bring high-speed broadband service to 24,757 locations in over 60 communities in Coos, Grafton, Carroll, Cheshire, Merrimack, and Sullivan Counties.
Fidium Fiber for the home delivers reliable symmetrical (same upload and download speeds), fiber internet without contracts, data caps, installation fees, or hassles. Fidium offers plans from 100 Mbps to 2 Gigs (2000 Mbps), VoIP phone service, and a variety of streaming options for TV and entertainment. Plans start out at $25 a month for reliable, symmetrical speeds from 100 Mbps to 2 Gigs (2000 Mbps).
Executive Councilor Joseph Kenney said the contract requires all of the work to be done by Dec. 31, 2026 but said most will be done by next year.
“The build-out of high speed internet in our northern rural communities will allow for the growth of home base businesses and attract business opportunities for professionals who work in the e-commerce field and who want to live in the natural surroundings of northern New Hampshire. This contract will provide initial access to chosen sites and this will continue broadband development in the open market throughout the region,” Kenney said.
McIver said installing new fiber optic lines along roads and in public utility areas requires some digging and climbing of utility poles. Crews will be working along the edge of private property within the public right-of-way and/or public utility easements. The work may require some temporary traffic detours, noise and dust. Paint markings and/or flags may be placed in areas where construction is active. Flags will be removed once work is complete in the area. He said crews will work quickly, cleaning up after themselves and will aim to minimize any disruption.
For more information about the fiber construction progress and updates, go to fidiumfiber.com/expanding.
View the full version of this story from the Berlin Sun at: https://www.conwaydailysun.com/berlin_sun/business/local/high-speed-internet-service-expanding/article_04d61300-b17a-11ee-acb1-3bb35be206ed.html