A Municipal Fiber to the Home Network for Charlemont Massacusetts
The Charlemont Broadband Committee’s goal has been to build a fiber network for the town that can be fully self-sustaining, with all costs of the network, including all debt, paid for from subscriber fees. The project is on track to do just that. The network is up and running, the finances look good, and it is expected to be fully self-sustaining. This $3.5 million investment in the town has been done with no increase to the tax rate.
Comments closedCharlemont Municipal Fiber Network
Selectboard Status Report
March 7, 2021
Summary
Network construction is underway and the essential work in the village center has been completed to alleviate conflicts with the DOT traffic calming project, which will be resuming soon. The subscription website is operational and we are encouraging all residents to sign up so that WhipCityFiber can plan the installation schedule for the summer. There will be a virtual information session on March 16. Sign-ups are currently at 20%, mostly through word-of-mouth. The project remains on budget. WhipCityFiber is recommending a “safe” schedule with FSA01 (the first fiber service area) lighting up in July and the other FSAs following at two-month intervals. The town is working with WGE and TriWire to try to accelerate this schedule if possible. Currently, the lack of fiber splicing and testing crews seems to be the bottleneck.
On November 10, the town received the proceeds from issuing a state house note to finance the construction of the distribution network. If the town achieves a sufficient “take-rate”, above 70%, Charlemont expects to be able to pay for all debt service from the monthly internet charges.
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