Opening a farm to visitors involves more than opening the gate. It means becoming a consumer-facing business, one that must attract customers, manage reservations, accept payments, communicate clearly and deliver a memorable experience. Increasingly, fiber internet and digital technology are helping connect the next generation of agriculture to new customers, new revenue streams and new possibilities.

Reliable, high-speed internet has become just as important as home-improvement upgrades like a new roof. When both fiber and satellite internet are available where you live, the question becomes: which one delivers a better experience? 

Whether you’re thinking about ordering fiber internet service for your home or already preparing for install day, it’s helpful to know what to expect. You might be wondering if you need to be home for the fiber installation appointment, how long it will take, and how you can prepare.

When you lose your internet connection during a power outage, it doesn’t always mean the network has gone down. Your home’s WiFi equipment will stop working when you lose power, but your internet service provider’s network can continue operating if its critical infrastructure has backup power. And if your home equipment is connected to a generator or UPS (uninterruptible power supply), you may still be able to stay online during a power outage.

On Sept. 30, Fidium and the Chamber Collaborative of Greater Portsmouth held a ribbon cutting at Stroll Café to recognize Portsmouth’s access to high-speed, all-fiber internet and its Gig Town designation.

How a rural pharmacist built something different, and why fiber optic internet from Fidium made it possible.