High-Speed Broadband Installation Complete In Littleton

Tuesday, August 13, 2024

Construction Ongoing In Bethlehem

Those seeking high-speed Internet in Littleton have more options following the installation of Fidium Fiber, as part of the state's contract to expand broadband across New Ha

mpshire.

As work in Littleton wraps up, installation is currently taking place in Bethlehem.

In 2022 and 2023, a $50 million contract was awarded to the New Hampshire Electric Co-op and a $40 million contract to Consolidated Communications, the latter of which owns the multi-gig all-fiber Fidium.

"There's a lot of construction going on all across rural New Hampshire," said Taylor Caswell, commissioner of the New Hampshire Department of Business and Economic Affairs, which offers several broadband grants and is overseeing the expansion. "It's going very well. Both companies that we're dealing with, Consolidated and the Electric Co-op, are ahead of schedule."

With their work completed in Littleton, Consolidated/Fidium is now making sure that residents and businesses know that high speed is available, said Caswell.

The fiber is now available to more than 4,300 homes and businesses in the Littleton area.

"We're proud to expand Fidium Fiber to even more residents and businesses in Littleton," Jeff McIver, senior manager of government relations for Consolidated Communications, said in a statement. "We've been privileged to see firsthand how fiber broadband improves lives and helps communities thrive. We are excited to build the future together in these communities and bring the benefits of Fidium Fiber to even more across New Hampshire."

To date, more than 260,000 New Hampshire homes and businesses have access to Fidium, with additional availability coming soon in Bethlehem, Whitefield, and more locations across the state, he said.

Fidium representatives will soon visit the Littleton community to share more information about service options and availability.

The construction in Bethlehem will result in the servicing of more than 1,300 homes and businesses.

The work in Bethlehem began Aug. 2, with exact start dates varying by location.

It entails the installation of new fiber optic lines along roads and in public utility areas, where crews will be working along the edge of private property within the public right-of-way or public utility easements. Some temporary traffic detours might be required.

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

The construction map can be found at https://batchgeo.com/map/bethlehem-nh-august-2024

Construction in Coos County, including the town of Jefferson, is now complete or largely complete, said Caswell.

"They're moving on and are also doing work in Carroll County and the southern part of the state," he said.

BEA representatives expect the statewide broadband expansion effort to be completed in 2025.