Fidium Fiber brings high-speed internet to Milton: How it works and what to expect

Wednesday, March 26, 2025

MILTON— Construction is well underway to bring Fidium Fiber's high-speed internet to Milton, promising multi-gig speeds and improved connectivity for thousands of homes and businesses. But what exactly is fiber broadband, and how does it work?

To get a closer look at the installation process and the technology behind it, the Milton Independent recently met with Kyle Thweatt, senior communications specialist at Consolidated Communications, broadband installer Jay Mayo and David Barton, general manager at the company's Milton location.

The trio walked through the intricacies of fiber-optic technology, offering insight into how this system is being built and what it means for residents.

What is Fiber Broadband?

Unlike traditional cable or digital subscriber line (DSL) internet, which relies on copper wiring to transmit data, fiber broadband uses strands of glass or plastic fibers to send information as pulses of light. This method enables much faster upload and download speeds, lower latency and a more reliable connection, especially for activities like video conferencing, online gaming and streaming in ultra-high definition.

"Think of fiber as the digital highway," Thweatt said. "Instead of cars traveling on congested roads, data moves at the speed of light with no traffic jams."

The installation process starts with laying fiber-optic cables underground or attaching them to utility poles. In Milton, Consolidated Communications crews have been trenching along roads and public utility areas, installing the necessary infrastructure to connect homes and businesses.

"We work primarily within the public right-of-way," Mayo said. "Most of what people are seeing now is the groundwork— digging, setting up distribution hubs and running fiber lines."

Once the main network is in place, technicians will run fiber from these hubs directly to individual properties. Unlike traditional cable, which is shared among multiple users and can slow down during peak hours, fiber connections are dedicated to each location.

Construction efforts began in mid-September, and while work is progressing swiftly, residents may experience some temporary inconveniences. Utility markings, temporary lane closures and occasional noise are all part of the process, but crews aim to minimize disruptions.

"We understand that no one loves construction in their neighborhood," Thweatt said. "That's why we communicate with residents through mailers, door hangers and on-the-ground outreach, making sure they know what's happening and when."

More than 4,200 homes and businesses in Milton, Colchester and Georgia now have access to Fidium Fiber, with an additional 800 locations expected to be connected by year's end. Since 2023, the company has expanded service to over 25,000 locations across northwest Vermont, and the network continues to grow.

A future-proof investment

According to a 2022 Fiber Broadband Association survey, 63% of U.S. consumers ranked fiber broadband as the best internet service available, citing its speed and reliability over other options.

Mayo said unlike other internet types, fiber is less prone to interference and weather-related disruptions, making it a more stable choice for households and businesses.

"Fiber is built to last," Mayo continued. "The infrastructure we're installing will serve the community for a very long time."

As construction continues, Milton residents can check service availability, track progress and sign up for installation updates at Fidium Fiber. Those with specific questions or concerns can contact Consolidated Communications at 877-769-4771.

For now, as fiber-optic cables continue to be strung along poles and buried beneath Milton's streets, the promise of a faster, more reliable digital future is quickly becoming reality.