High-speed internet arrived in Fairfield last week, thanks to the completion of an expansion project by Fidium Fiber.
This expansion by Fidium Fiber, a brand under Consolidated Communications holdings, Inc., extends service to both Fairfield and Oakland. It’s the latest step in their regional and statewide initiative to drive economic growth by connecting underserved communities.Kyle thweatt, a senior communications specialist for fidium Fiber, emphasized their commitment to expanding access. “We’re always looking for opportunities to expand and grow,” he explained.“Whether it’s a rural community that hasn’t had access to quality internet or someone in a city who has only had one option and never been able to experience fiber.”
The Oakland expansion, which also included parts of Sidney and Belgrade, was completed in November. In the last three years, Fidium’s “multi-gig” offerings have dramatically expanded, bringing fiber access to over 249,000 homes and businesses across Maine. Some of these expansions were privately funded,while others benefited from grants partially subsidized by federal dollars.
A feasibility study conducted in 2022 by Somerset County Economic Advancement Corp. estimated the cost of full fiber-optic coverage for the county at approximately $80 million.
Fidium’s project in Fairfield was financed privately. While existing agreements give Spectrum a franchise for internet and cable services in the town, and some community members have relied on Redzone Wireless for coverage, certain areas in Fairfield lacked any high-speed options, according to Michelle Flewelling, Fairfield’s town manager.
“There are places in the town of Fairfield where Spectrum didn’t go,so there was no coverage,like out on the Martin Stream route,” Flewelling noted.
Research from the Center for Rural Innovation highlights the economic benefits of widespread fiber adoption. Rural counties with high fiber penetration rates saw a 213% higher business growth rate and a 44% higher GDP growth rate.Fidium Fiber differs from other internet providers, like cable or satellite, because it uses symmetrical speeds, meaning upload and download speeds are equal. “Whether it’s streaming entertainment, working from home, having a telemedicine appointment, or participating in tele-education, it allows for increased speed as you’re uploading and downloading things to that computer,” explained Thweatt. “So it allows for seamless speed and transitions and all these different things that just make the internet experience a lot more user-friendly than what people are typically used to.”
The challenges of Fairfield’s limited internet access became more apparent during the pandemic, notably for students needing reliable online learning tools.
Gary Batey, owner of Batey’s TV & Appliance in Fairfield, has relied on cable internet for his business for the past 10-15 years. He recognizes the advantages of fiber for businesses. “Being on optic fiber will give you a much faster connection than what I’m on, especially,” Batey remarked. “Time is money, so if it takes you 15 minutes to fight your way through the crap to get to the website you want to go to, then obviously that’ll add up after a while. That’s where the speed would be nice.”
Flewelling believes that any expansion of high-speed internet service in a region tends to increase competition and lead to lower costs for residents and businesses. She observed, “I think anytime that you can provide options to businesses, as well as residents, when it comes to utilities and utility needs, it has a tendency to level the playing field when it comes to costs. those utilities become more competitive when they’re not a monopoly in a particular situation.”
Fidium representatives plan to engage with the community soon, participating in local events and sharing data about their offerings.
While cost remains a factor, Batey is considering switching to fiber due to the potential improvements in speed. “I haven’t sat down to do the pricing yet,” he noted. “At some point I’ll have to make a move as the slower speed is affecting things as far as getting stuff done.”
What are the benefits of high-speed internet access for underserved communities like Fairfield and Oakland?
Interview Between Time.news Editor and Kyle Thweatt, Senior Communications Specialist for Fidium Fiber
Time.news Editor: Welcome, Kyle! It’s great to have you here to discuss the exciting news about the expansion of high-speed internet in Fairfield and Oakland through Fidium Fiber.Can you tell us a bit more about the motivations behind this project?
Kyle Thweatt: Thank you for having me! Absolutely, the motivation behind our expansion into Fairfield and Oakland is really centered around our commitment to driving economic growth in underserved communities. We recognize that access to reliable,high-speed internet is crucial for both individuals and businesses to thrive in today’s digital age.
Time.news Editor: That makes perfect sense. With so many people relying on the internet for work, education, and even healthcare, enhancing connectivity can truly change lives. Can you elaborate on how this expansion will impact the local communities?
Kyle Thweatt: Certainly! By providing high-speed internet access to these areas, we’re hoping to bridge the digital divide that many rural and underserved urban communities experience. this can enable students to participate in online learning more effectively, help entrepreneurs start new businesses, and allow residents to access telehealth services that they might not or else have.
Time.news Editor: Those are vital benefits, especially considering how essential connectivity has become in recent years. Has Fidium Fiber faced any challenges in implementing this expansion?
Kyle thweatt: Like any major infrastructure project, we faced some challenges, particularly with logistics and coordinating with local authorities. However, we’ve been fortunate to have strong community support and collaboration, which helped us navigate those hurdles effectively.
Time.news editor: Community collaboration certainly makes a difference. Looking ahead,what are Fidium fiber’s plans for future expansions,and how do you determine which areas to prioritize?
Kyle Thweatt: Our team is always on the lookout for new opportunities to expand.We prioritize areas that lack quality internet access—whether they’re rural communities that have been overlooked or urban areas where high-speed internet options are limited. we’re driven by community feedback and data analysis to help us find those opportunities.
Time.news Editor: It sounds like you have a solid strategy in place. As someone who is deeply involved in this sector, do you believe that high-speed internet is becoming a basic necessity similar to water and electricity?
Kyle Thweatt: Absolutely, I believe that internet access is now a fundamental necessity for everyday life. Just like water and electricity, it’s essential for participation in modern society, whether for education, healthcare, or business. Access to reliable internet can be a notable equalizer, providing everyone with the same opportunities to succeed.
Time.news Editor: Well said! Lastly, what message do you have for residents in Fairfield and Oakland who are eager to take advantage of this new connectivity?
Kyle Thweatt: my message to the residents is simple: we’re here to support you! We encourage folks to reach out, explore our services, and see how high-speed internet can enhance their lives. It’s an exciting time,and we’re thrilled to be a part of it!
Time.news Editor: Thank you,Kyle,for sharing these insights. It’s encouraging to see companies like Fidium Fiber making strides to improve digital connectivity for communities in need. We look forward to seeing the positive changes this expansion brings!
Kyle Thweatt: Thank you! It’s been a pleasure to discuss this with you. We’re excited about the future and the opportunity to serve these communities.