FairPoint works on broadband upgrade
PORTLAND — The Maine Public Utilities Commission (MPUC) recently approved a plan that will allow FairPoint Communications to invest approximately $450,000 to install new technology in 11 of its central offices, bringing greater broadband speed to customers served by these facilities.
“We continue to take the lead in bringing broadband Internet to Mainers, including boosting growth and speed in areas where demand is especially strong,” said Mike Reed, Maine state president for FairPoint. “With more than a $182 million investment in our network in northern New England since 2008, FairPoint is committed to bringing Maine consumers next-generation technology.”
The network upgrades include adding Ethernet high-speed equipment to these communities, enabling more customers to achieve the full speed potential of the FairPoint’s next-generation network. This deployment will allow residential customers in these markets to qualify for higher broadband speeds — up to 15Mbps, based on distance.
The MPUC approved the plan and issued an order that allows FairPoint to invest funding it receives from the Federal Universal Service Fund from Aug. 1 through the end of 2012 toward the upgrade.
FairPoint’s network upgrade will benefit customers served by central offices in Bowdoinham, Corinth, Dexter, Mechanic Falls, Monroe, Searsport, Sullivan, Vinalhaven, Washburn, Wilton and Woodland. The upgrades will begin soon and FairPoint expects to complete the work by year end.
Building the most robust and versatile network across the region is crucial to handle the increasing demands for bandwidth, Reed said. According to Cisco, global IP traffic increased eightfold over the five years leading up to 2010 and will quadruple by 2015.
“FairPoint’s investment in the network is essential to meeting the future demand for high-speed bandwidth and to provide businesses with the tools they need to compete,” said Reed. “The upgrade to the network means we can deliver critical bandwidth, data and carrier Ethernet services, thereby putting Maine in a position to compete in our technology-dependent world. This creative use of funding will get faster broadband speeds to FairPoint customers in these communities.”
FairPoint provides residential speed options up to 15Mbps for qualified customers, while business customers can customize their connections with speeds as fast as 1 Gbps. Customers can find out more about pricing and speed options in their community by calling 866-984-2001 for residential and 866-984-3001 for businesses.
