Fidium is expanding its all-fiber internet network in Woodland and Easton to bring symmetrical, multi-gigabyte-speed internet to more than 1,300 homes and businesses.
Fiber infrastructure construction is scheduled to begin as soon as July 15, with exact start dates varying by location.
Fidium’s expansion will upgrade internet access in Aroostook County, offering benefits that come with fiber broadband access, including improved educational outcomes, reduced healthcare costs and enhanced economic opportunities.
“Bringing Fidium to Woodland and Easton delivers turbocharged speeds and the latest, most reliable broadband technology,” said Sarah Davis, vice president of market development for Fidium. “We appreciate the community’s patience as we build this new fiber infrastructure, which will connect residents and businesses to opportunities not previously accessible. Over the next several months, we will be working to expand our multi-gig speed all-fiber network and upgrade locations to access Fidium’s future-proof fiber service.”
Today, more than 385,000 Maine homes and businesses have access to Fidium, including Bancroft, Caribou, Cary, Connor Township, Danforth, Glenwood Plantation, Haynesville, Hodgdon, Houlton, Madawaska, Orient, Reed Plantation, Weston, Woodland and Wytopitlock.
Additional access is coming soon to Grand Isle, as well as in Calais and Lubec in Washington County, and to more communities across the state.
Fiber broadband can be easily upgraded without rewiring the entire network. Fiber networks are more sustainable than other technologies with significantly lower power needs and reduced use of plastics, according to Fidium officials. Fiber optic cables are not susceptible to corrosion or electrical interference making them more resilient to extreme weather conditions, including high winds, lightning strikes and floods. Fiber networks require less overall repair and maintenance and boasts up to 67 percent faster repair times than other wired technologies.
Fiber construction involves installing new fiber optic lines along roads and in public utility areas, which may require digging or climbing utility poles. Crews will work along the edge of private property within public rights-of-way and utility easements. Construction may require temporary traffic detours, noise and dust. Paint markings and flags may be placed to designate active work zones and will be removed once work is complete. As fiber expansion progresses, safety protocols are at top-of-mind for crews, and motorists are asked to use caution when driving in construction zones. Crews will work quickly and safely, clean up after themselves and always strive to minimize disruption.
More information on the fiber build progress will be shared with local officials, as well as residents. Mailers, door hangers and construction alerts will be distributed to keep the public informed, and Fidium representatives will visit neighborhoods to share more about what to expect during construction, and how to sign up to be the first notified as soon as service is ready to install.
To learn more, visit FidiumFiber.com.
