Consolidated Communications Holdings Inc.

01/22/2025 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 01/22/2025 12:32

Fidium, Chittenden County CUD partner on last-mile fiber expansion

More than 150 previously unserved or underserved homes in Essex, Jericho, Shelburne, Westford and Williston will get fiber access

BURLINGTON, Vt. - Jan. 22, 2025 - Fidium and Chittenden County Communications Union District (CCCUD) have finalized a partnership agreement that will bring Fidium's multi-gig speed all-fiber network to more than 150 unserved and underserved locations in Essex, Jericho, Shelburne, Westford and Williston. Funding for fiber expansion will be supported through a grant from the Vermont Community Broadband Board to CCCUD, with additional investment provided by Fidium.

"Chittenden County includes some of the most densely populated and served areas of Vermont, but our communities are not immune to accessibility gaps," said Michael Vance, chair of CCCUD. "Connecting these homes to Fidium's fiber network will bring access to the last mile, providing the benefits of high-speed broadband to Vermonters, no matter their address. There is still work to be done, and we look forward to continuing this effort to fill the gaps that remain, but this is a fantastic step toward equitable connectivity."

Fidium's network construction is scheduled to begin in the coming months, with multi-gig speed fiber access anticipated by the end of 2025. With fiber broadband access comes economic growth, in particular for rural areas, as fiber access increases business growth by 213% and leads to a 44% higher GDP. For individuals, fiber access results in self-employment growth of 10% and increased per capita income by 18%. Fiber also increases real estate values, as fiber-connected homes have a 4.9% higher value than those without. In bringing multi-gig speeds and quality service to residents and business owners, Fidium connects communities to all the benefits that come with access to a fiber broadband connection, including the flexibility to work from home as a parent.

"We have seen how fiber has transformed communities, and we are so excited to bring Fidium to the hardest to reach locations in Chittenden County," said Sarah Davis, vice president of Market Development for Fidium. "No matter where you live, access to a quality internet connection is crucial in today's world, empowering people to get the full benefits of streaming, expanding employment opportunities, and participating in the digital economy. Our partnership with CCCUD will upgrade locations to access Fidium's future-proof connectivity and all the accompanying entertainment and lifestyle benefits."

Today, more than 134,000 Vermont homes and businesses have access to Fidium, including more than 10,000 Chittenden County homes and businesses in Colchester, Essex, Essex Junction and Williston. Additional availability is coming soon across the state, including in Milton. CCCUD is the fourth CUD to partner with Fidium, with fiber expansion completed to a combined 53,000-plus homes and businesses in Southern Vermont CUD, Otter Creek CUD and Lamoille FiberNet areas since 2022.

Fidium delivers multi-gig-speed internet without contracts, installation fees or data caps. All Fidium plans offer reliable, symmetrical speeds from 100 Mbps to 2 Gigs (2000 Mbps). Fidium also offers VoIP phone service plans, and features speeds that allow customers to seamlessly stream their preferred TV and entertainment.

To learn more and sign up for updates on fiber expansion progress, visit FidiumFiber.com. Follow Fidium at Facebook.com/FidiumFiber, Twitter.com/FidiumFiber,Instagram.com/FidiumFiber and Youtube.com/FidiumFiber.

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 Holdings, Inc. Consolidated is 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 FidiumFiber.com.

About Chittenden County Communications Union District
A communications union district is municipal organization made of two or more towns for the purpose of building, or causing to be built, communication infrastructure within the district. The Chittenden County Communications Union District (CCCUD) is currently made up of eight municipalities: Essex, Essex Junction, Jericho, Shelburne, South Burlington, Underhill, Westford and Williston. Learn more at https://www.ccrpcvt.org/our-work/broadband/