During the 2021-2023 Coos Broadband Committee sessions, l represented Northumberland and advocated for Stark; Stratford was represented by Clayton MacDonald. Since 2023,1have continued to advocate for Northumberland and represent Lancaster.
A follow up to the 22-23 ARPA funding: Consolidated has begun building out. ln approximately May 2024, Consolidated will be constructing and upgrading (overlashing the copper lines) in Northumberland, Stark , and Stratford. The grant-funded under/un-served services are the following: Northumberland 330 locations, Stark 442 locations, and Stratford 205 locations. 20 locations within the 636 exchange will be built out on the end of Lost Nation for Lancaster.
The second round of funding will be announced April 5th, and that funding will build out Northumberland (2 locations) and Lancaster (393 locations). lF the timing works out, Lancaster will be built out at the same time as Northumberland/Stark/Stratford; any delay in the second round of funding may push out Northumberland, Stark/Stratford because they want to mobilize their crews in the same areas as much as possible.
Consolidated crews are clearly marked as such. Any other crews in unmarked vehicles are a different company attempting to ramp up their service to become competitive. I have asked CCl to send us a notice that can be posted indicating their presence and purpose so that residents know that this construction is happening. For fiber- to-the-premise, CCI prefers to rip out the copper service lines, however, homeowners should work with CCI to preserve those lines, especially if there are alarm systems, medical needs systems (Lifeline), and frequent power outages. Anyone who wants to pre-order service should register at www.fidiumfiber.com
I will be contacting all of you soon. The e911 directory will require update – the data that these anticipated connections are based upon are from 2022. I will send a template request that will need to be signed by either the governing body chair, town manager/administrator, or other authorized personnel.