Fiber internet construction set to begin Jan 3. in central Franklin County
Thursday, January 2, 2025
ENOSBURGH – Fiber internet expansion is set to begin this week in central Franklin County.
Fiber internet provider, Fidium, plans to start construction as soon as Friday, Jan. 3, with exact starting dates varying between different areas. The country-wide provider is set to expand its services to Enosburgh and Sheldon as well as parts of Bakersfield and Berkshire.
“Future-proof connectivity is coming to Enosburgh, as Fidium will expand its all-fiber network over the next several months,” Jeffrey Austin, vice president of Network Planning and Fiber Build Strategy for Fidium, said in a press release.
This phase of fiber roll out will bring the multi-gig speed internet to 3,200 more households in Franklin County. More than 134,000 homes and businesses in Vermont already have access to Fidium’s all-fiber network including St. Albans, Fairfax and Fairfield.
In order to install the new fiber optic lines along roadways and in public utility areas, crews will complete some digging and climb utility poles. The installation crew will work along the edges of private property in public right-of-way and public utility easements.
Fidium said the work may require temporary traffic detours, noise and dust. Paint marking and flags will be placed in areas where active construction is happening and removed when the work is completed.
The benefits of the new service will outweigh the negatives of construction, Austin said. Connecting homes and business to economic, educational and entertainment opportunities can transform rural communities, he said, and eliminate the digital divide between rural and urban life.
Fidium uses fiber optics cables instead of the more traditional coaxial cable which allows it to retain strength and quality over long distances.
More information on the expansion and progress will be shared with town officials and residents. Mailers, door hangers and construction alerts will be sent out, according to Fidium.
There will also be a representative from the network visiting neighborhoods in the expanded area to share information about what to expect during construction.