Construction set to begin in Shelburne, as Fidium begins access upgrades for Chittenden County CUD communities

Thursday, May 8, 2025

Fidium to bring multi-gig speed access to more than 1,800 homes and businesses in Chittenden County, connecting previously unserved and underserved locations

SHELBURNE, Vt. - May 8, 2025 - Fidium is expanding its all-fiber internet network in Chittenden County, in partnership with the Chittenden County Communications Union District (CCCUD). Fidium will bring symmetrical, multi-gig speed internet access to more than 1,800 homes and businesses, including unserved and underserved locations in Essex Town, Jericho, Shelburne, Westford and Williston.

Fidium's expansion is scheduled to begin as soon as May 12 in Shelburne and will continue for the CCCUD area this summer.

"Fiber access for these locations means filling the accessibility gaps that exist in our communities, offering everyone a high-speed, high-quality connection no matter their address," said Michael Vance, chair of CCCUD. "We are excited for Fidium's construction to get underway, bringing connectivity to the locations that need it most."

Fidium's network construction will upgrade and increase connectivity access, offering benefits that come with fiber broadband access, including improved educational outcomes, reduced healthcare costs and enhanced economic opportunities.

"The wait is nearly over, as Fidium's future-proof network expansion will bring all-new opportunities and benefits to CCCUD communities," said Sarah Davis, director of Market Development for Fidium. "Fiber transforms how we live and work, powering new employment, entertainment, educational and economic opportunities that were not previously accessible. We appreciate the community's patience, as we work over the next several months to expand our all-fiber network in Shelburne and upgrade locations to access Fidium's multi-gig speed symmetrical service."

Today, more than 134,000 Vermont homes and businesses have access to Fidium, including more than 15,000 Chittenden County homes and businesses since 2023 in Colchester, Essex, Essex Junction, Milton and Williston. CCCUD is the fourth CUD to partner with Fidium, with fiber expansion completed in the past three years to a combined 53,000-plus homes and businesses in Southern Vermont CUD, Otter Creek CUD and Lamoille FiberNet areas.

Check your address for availability, explore service options and sign up to be the first notified as soon as service is ready to install at Fidium  Fiber.

Fiber broadband is a future-proof technology that can be easily upgraded without rewiring the entire network. Fiber networks are more sustainable than other technologies with significantly lower power needs and reduced use of plastics. Fiber optic cables are not susceptible to corrosion or electrical interference making them more resilient to extreme weather conditions, including high winds, lightning strikes and floods. Fiber networks require less overall repair and maintenance and boasts up to 67% faster repair times than other wired technologies.

Construction requires installing new fiber optic lines along roads and in public utility areas and may include digging and climbing of utility poles. Crews will be working along the edge of private property within the public right-of-way and/or public utility easements. This work may require temporary traffic detours, and some noise and dust. Paint markings and/or flags may be placed in areas where construction is active. Flags will be removed once work is complete in the area. Crews will work quickly, clean up after themselves and always strive to minimize disruption.

More information on the fiber build progress will be shared with town and city officials, as well as residents. Mailers, door hangers and construction alerts will be distributed to keep the public informed, and Fidium representatives will be visiting neighborhoods to share more about what to expect during construction.

To learn more about the fiber internet construction process and sign up for updates on our progress, visit Fidium Fiber. Residents with specific construction questions or concerns should contact 1.877.769.4771.

About Fidium
Fidium is a customer-centered, consumer fiber broadband service offering symmetrical multi-gig speeds and exceptional service. Fidium is available in California, Illinois, Maine, Minnesota, New Hampshire, Pennsylvania, Texas and Vermont with new locations available daily. Fidium is a brand from Consolidated Communications, a leading broadband and business communications provider serving consumers, businesses, and wireless and wireline carriers across a 20-plus state service area. Learn more at Fidium Fiber.