Consolidated Communications Connects Maine Homes with Fiber Internet2,000 Searsport, Maine Homes to Get Connected to Fidium Fiber Internet from Consolidated CommunicationsConnectMaine Grant will allow more residents to benefit from gigabit speedsConsolidated Communications a leading broadband and business
communications provider, announced it’s bringing Fidium Fiber internet
service to more rural Maine residents and businesses in Maine. In partnership
with Searsport, aided by a $2 million grant from ConnectMaine Authority,
Consolidated will bring reliable gigabit fiber internet to 2,000 homes in the
town.
“Searsport has been working on getting quality internet for its residents for several years,” said Peggy Schaffer, executive director, ConnectMaine Authority. “This partnership between Consolidated Communications, Searsport and ConnectMaine brings those plans to fruition. Communities across Maine need to have access to this valuable infrastructure for broadband. Consolidated Communications is a great partner to work with to get this project done. It’s exciting to see a community get this quality of internet with the help of a ConnectMaine Grant.” The new network in Searsport is part of Consolidated’s ongoing work to build fiber-to-the-premises broadband networks to more than 70% of its service area, including more than 450,000 homes in Maine, by 2025. The state of Maine, which ranks 32nd in broadband access, is making significant progress improving connectivity in rural areas thanks to recent local, state and federal funding opportunities and through public-private partnerships, like this one, with providers. “The Town of Searsport is very pleased with its Broadband Committee and Consolidated Communications in getting to this point,” said James Gillway, town manager. “Four years ago, we began working on developing a fiber network benefiting every household in the town, and our citizens conveyed their confidence in us by voting to move forward. The Broadband Grant, awarded by ConnectMaine, will ensure the project is completed at a reasonable expense to our taxpayers and will improve the lives of every resident in Searsport.” “Super-fast internet is no longer something that’s nice to
have for rural areas, too,” said Erik Garr, president of consumer and small
business for Consolidated. “Whether you need access to broadband to work, learn
or play, everyone, anywhere in the community, wins when they can tap into the
speeds and reliability Fidium offers. And, our partnership with ConnectMaine
means even more residents will benefit.” | |
