More fiber access coming to Chittenden County, as Fidium continues expansion

Wednesday, July 2, 2025

Fidium partnership with Chittenden County CUD expanding all-fiber network to Essex Town, Jericho and Westford, connecting unserved and underserved locations

ESSEX, Vt. – July 2, 2025 – Fidium is continuing its all-fiber internet network expansion in partnership with the Chittenden County Communications Union District, bringing all-fiber access to unserved and underserved locations in Essex Town, Jericho and Westford. Construction is scheduled to begin as soon as July 15, with exact start dates varying by location. 

“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 expansion will upgrade internet access for more than 1,800 locations in the Chittenden CUD area, with previously announced construction underway in Shelburne. Chittenden CUD’s partnership with Fidium connects residents and businesses to the benefits that come with fiber broadband access, including improved educational outcomes, reduced healthcare costs and enhanced economic opportunities. 

“Bringing Fidium to Chittenden County delivers turbocharged speeds and the latest, most reliable broadband technology,” said Sarah Davis, vice president of Market Development for Fidium. “We appreciate the community’s patience as we build this new fiber infrastructure, which will connect 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 Fidium's future-proof fiber service.” 

Today, more than 143,000 Vermont homes and businesses have access to Fidium, including more than 15,000 Chittenden County locations in Colchester, Essex, Essex Junction, Milton and Williston. Construction is underway in Shelburne for CCCUD, which is the fourth CUD to partner with Fidium. In the past three years, Fidium has expanded fiber access to a combined 53,000-plus homes and businesses in Southern Vermont CUD, Otter Creek CUD and Lamoille FiberNet areas. 

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. 

Fiber construction involves installing new fiber optic lines along roads and in public utility areas, which may require digging or climbing utility poles. Crews will work along the edge of private property within public rights-of-way and utility easements. Construction may require temporary traffic detours, noise and dust. Paint markings and flags may be placed to designate active work zones and will be removed once work is complete. As fiber expansion progresses, safety protocols are at top-of-mind for crews, and motorists are asked to use caution when driving in construction zones. Crews will work quickly and safely, clean up after themselves and always strive to minimize disruption. 

More information on the fiber build progress will be shared with local officials, as well as residents. Mailers, door hangers and construction alerts will be distributed to keep the public informed, and Fidium representatives will visit neighborhoods to share more about what to expect during construction, and how to sign up to be the first notified as soon as service is ready to install. 

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

About Fidium 
Fidium is the people’s fiber provider, offering symmetrical multi-gig speed internet service and an exceptional customer experience. Fidium is currently available in California, Illinois, Maine, Minnesota, New Hampshire, Pennsylvania, Texas and Vermont with new locations available daily. Learn more at Fidium Fiber .