High-Speed Broadband Expands Across North Country

Friday, May 16, 2025

Read the full article here: https://www.caledonianrecord.com/news/local/high-speed-broadband-expands-across-north-country/article_dff3abb5-4b8e-5ae8-948c-9e835a175512.html

As the midpoint of the year approaches, one of the two entities the state of New Hampshire has contracted with to expand high-speed Internet broadband across the state gave a North Country update.

Representatives for Fidium Fiber, whose build-out in the region is now complete, said recently that fiber build-out was completed in the towns of Franconia and Lancaster, creating access to more than 3,000 homes and businesses.

“High-speed Internet has come to Franconia,” Franconia Selectman Eric Meth said in a statement. “Thanks to the efforts of our Franconia Broadband Committee, Carol Miller of National Collaborative for Digital Equity, and Fidium, full connectivity is a reality for our community. Fidium enables our increasingly diverse population to access remote schooling, commerce, tele-health, and business opportunities, including those previously unserved and underserved. Reliable and affordable high-speed internet connectivity brings these benefits to Franconia, while maintaining our small-town charm and intimacy in the heart of the White Mountains.”

Other local broadband committees involved in the northern effort include the Coos County Broadband Committee. 

More than 24,000 homes and businesses in Coos and northern Grafton counties have access as the state works to build out in other areas in 2025 and complete expansion in 2026.

In addition to the recent completions in Franconia and Lancaster, Fidium has expanded fiber in other local towns, including Bethlehem, Littleton, Northumberland, Stark, Whitefield, Jefferson, and Pittsburg.

“Bringing Fidium to Franconia and Lancaster is an investment in the future, providing this and future generations with connectivity that will serve them for years to come,” said Jeffrey McIver, senior government relations manager for Fidium. “Access to fiber’s turbocharged gig speeds transforms communities, connecting residents and businesses to all the benefits that come with access to the best broadband technology, such as improved educational outcomes, reduced health costs and enhanced economic opportunities.” 

Fidium’s expansion, which is owned by Consolidated Communications, is fulfilling the $40 million contract between the state of New Hampshire and Consolidated Communications. 

A $50 million contract was also awarded to the New Hampshire Electric Co-op for its broadband expansion plans. The two contracts were awarded in 2022 and 2023 after the state received various forms of federal stimulus funding allocated to broadband and the New Hampshire Governor and Council approved contracts.

Local advocates of build-out say it will boost small rural communities and benefit first responders and public safety, schools and education, local governments, businesses, farming, arts and entertainment, and more. 

According to Fidium figures, expansion has increased business growth by 213 percent, leading to a 44 percent higher GDP. For individuals, fiber access has resulted in 10 percent self-employment growth and 18 percent per capita income increase. 

They said Fiber also increases real estate values, as single-family homes with fiber access have a 4.9 percent higher value than those without it.