Lamoille FiberNet Achieves Universal High-Speed Internet Access in Lamoille County

The Lamoille FiberNet communications union district has successfully completed its ambitious project to provide high-speed internet access to every on-grid address in Lamoille County, Vermont. Over two summers, workers laid 550 miles of fiber optic cable, enabling multi-gigabit-capable service to 5,000 previously unserved or underserved addresses. This initiative was made possible through a $24 million public-private partnership with Fidium Fiber, which has replaced the Consolidated Communications brand. The project, which began a decade ago, gained momentum following significant funding from the American Rescue Plan Act during President Joe Biden's administration.

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The establishment of communications union districts in Vermont was a critical step toward enhancing internet access statewide. Lamoille FiberNet faced initial challenges, including a failed partnership with Google. However, under the leadership of director Lisa Birmingham and collaboration with representatives from all ten towns in Lamoille County, the partnership with Fidium Fiber leveraged existing power line infrastructure, facilitating a swift execution of the project. The completion of the build-out was celebrated at Vermont State University’s Johnson campus, marking a significant milestone for the region.

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The project was completed under budget, allowing Lamoille FiberNet to return some funding to the Vermont Community Broadband Board, which oversees statewide internet expansion efforts. Christine Hallquist, director of the broadband board, noted that access to fiber-optic internet in Vermont has increased from 21% in 2021 to 72% currently, with plans to further close the gap. Approximately 300 addresses in Lamoille County are still targeted for high-speed internet access through the board's Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program.

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Hallquist criticized the previous service provider, Consolidated Communications, for its inadequate copper wire infrastructure, which contributed to poor service quality. She emphasized that fiber-optic technology significantly improves internet access. The BEAD program has faced scrutiny regarding its funding allocation, particularly with the Trump administration's Federal Communications Commission promoting satellite internet options like Starlink, owned by Elon Musk. Hallquist argues that due to Vermont's forested landscape, satellite internet is not a viable alternative to fiber optics, stating, “Tree cover in these tight valleys means satellite is not a viable alternative to try to get everybody served in Vermont.”

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• “This achievement represents years of collaboration, persistence, and smart partnership,” — Andrew Ross, Chair of Lamoille FiberNet

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• “Our focus over the next year at the Vermont community broadband board is to look at every single location in the state to ensure that nobody’s been overlooked,” — Christine Hallquist, Director of Vermont Community Broadband Board

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• “It’s better than nothing, but it doesn’t compare to fiber.” — Christine Hallquist, on satellite internet

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The successful completion of the Lamoille FiberNet project marks a significant advancement in internet accessibility for Lamoille County, with ongoing efforts to ensure comprehensive coverage across Vermont.

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