GoNetspeed said it now offers fiber broadband in four Vermont communities, referencing a partnership with the Otter Creek Communications Union District in a press release about the buildout.
Telecompetitor got some additional information about the buildout from GoNetspeed Government Affairs Manager Heidi Mahoney in an email exchange.
GoNetspeed invested $3.5 million in the upgrade, which includes Benson, Castleton, Hubbardton, and Sudbury. The GoNetspeed investment fully funded the project, Mahoney told us.
Mahoney added, though, that “GoNetspeed does participate in the Enhanced Alternative Connect America Cost Model (E-ACAM) program” which “provides universal service high-cost support from the FCC to support and deploy broadband service for locations covered by the program, including some of the most difficult to reach locations in Vermont.”
The E-ACAM program is based on a cost model and, in many cases, offers a higher level of support in comparison with the traditional high-cost program for providers that commit to more aggressive broadband upgrades.
GoNetspeed is the company that was created in 2021 when investment firm Oak Hill Capital consolidated six companies: Otelco, OTTC, Upstate Fiber Networks, Lentek, GoNetspeed, and Icon.
As Mahoney explained, GoNetspeed has provided the four upgraded Vermont communities with service for decades.
“GoNetspeed’s investment was an opportunity to upgrade our legacy network to quickly deliver residents and businesses ultrafast, symmetrical 100% fiber-optic speeds,” Mahoney said.
Otter Creek CUD
Communications union districts (CUDs) are a uniquely Vermont phenomenon. Beginning several years ago, they were established when neighboring communities lacking high-speed fiber self-organized into groups to pursue network upgrades.
Otter Creek CUD is one nine CUDs in the state. Otter Creek already has pursued upgrades in multiple communities within the CUD, including some that were partially funded through government programs.
Asked about Otter Creek CUD’s role in the latest GoNetspeed project, Mahoney just said “Otter Creek CUD has been a wonderful partner to GoNetspeed as we rolled out our upgraded 100% fiber optic service.”
GoNetspeed’s upgrade in the four communities will impact 2,160 locations, according to a press release.
