High-Speed Broadband Expands Into More Coos, Grafton Towns

Wednesday, December 11, 2024

In fulfilling its $40 million contract with the state of New Hampshire, Fidium Fiber is expanding into more North Country towns and connecting thousands of residents with the option of high-speed Internet broadband.

 

Construction has recently been completed in some towns, and it is expected to begin soon in others and continue into 2025.

 

On Friday, representatives for Fidium, which is owned by Consolidated Communications, said construction is set to begin in Franconia and Lancaster. There, more than 3,800 homes and businesses can be connected to Fidium's all-fiber, multi-gig speed network.

 

Fiber infrastructure construction is scheduled in the two communities as soon as Friday, Dec. 13, with exact start dates varying by location.

 

"We are thrilled to be able to bring Fidium to Franconia and Lancaster, and we appreciate the community's patience while we build this new fiber infrastructure," Jeff McIver, senior government relations manager for Fidium, said in a statement. "We have seen how fiber has transformed communities, connecting residents and businesses to opportunities not previously accessible. Over the next several months, we will be working to expand our multi-gig speed all-fiber network and upgrade locations to access our future-proof fiber internet."

 

A future-proof network is flexible in design and able to adapt to future advancements in broadband technology.

 

Representatives said installing new fiber optic lines along roads and in public utility areas requires digging and climbing utility poles.

 

Crews will work along the edge of private property within the public right-of-way and public utility easements.

 

The work might require temporary traffic detours, and flags might be placed in areas where construction is active.

 

Representatives said the flags will be removed once the work is complete. Crews will work quickly to minimize any disruption.

 

Meanwhile, more than 3,600 combined homes and businesses in Bethlehem and Whitefield now have access to Fidium's fiber broadband.

 

"This is a huge step forward for residents of Whitefield and neighboring towns," said Arthur Duguay, a Whitefield resident and a representative to the Coos County Broadband Committee for the town. "I am so pleased to witness the installation of fiber throughout the areas served by Fidium. Living in one of the more remote areas of town for more than 20 years without adequate broadband service has been a source of frustration, especially with so much of our daily life dependent on good internet service."

 

"In expanding fiber access, we are proud to help build the future in Bethlehem and Whitefield", said McIver. "Fiber brings tremendous benefits and transforms how we connect to one another, especially in rural communities, increasing access to educational, economic, healthcare, and entertainment opportunities and options. We are excited to bring the benefits of Fidium these and more communities across New Hampshire."

 

To date, more than 276,000 New Hampshire homes and businesses, including Littleton and Northumberland, have access to Fidium.

 

Additional availability is on deck for towns that include Jefferson, where 700 homes and businesses will have connections.

 

The service delivers multi-gig-speed internet without contracts, installation fees, or data caps and with speeds from 100 mbps to 2 Gigs (2,000 mbps). Fidium also offers VoIP phone service plans.

 

Residents with specific construction questions or concerns can contact Fidium 877-769-4771.

 

To expand broadband across other parts of the state and in local towns, the New Hampshire Electric Cooperative was awarded a $50 million contract.

 

In August, representatives said they expect the statewide broadband expansion effort to be completed in 2025.