The number of Charlemont’s municipal fiber network subscribers has climbed to 400 and a growing number of subscribers are receiving service in the village center!
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Category: Operations
Charlemont’s first fiber service area, FSA 01, is lit up and connecting customers! Amazing Internet is here!
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Charlemont has begun serving beta customers and testing has begun! A few issues have been identified and are being corrected in the installation process and network operation. As soon as the identified issues are resolved, scheduling for general installations for the first fiber service area will begin.
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The validation of FSA 01 continues to move ahead and Charlemont anticipates acceptance of the network during the week of July 19, barring issues uncovered during the final network acceptance. Charlemont has selected and Whip City Fiber has scheduled six to eight beta users for installation at the end of next week. These beta testers will ensure the quality of the service and work with Whip City Fiber to correct any identified issues before installation is open to subscribers. The beta phase is expected to be a week to 10 days, moving general installations into early August.
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At Charlemont’s Annual Town Meeting (ATM) residents unanimously approved the FY 22 Broadband Enterprise Fund operations budget. Charlemont’s MLP Manager, Bob Handsaker, took a moment to thank the broadband committee, town employees, and numerous town volunteers for their contributions to the success of this ongoing multi-year project. Service is expected to begin in July and roll out in roughly two-month intervals through the year.
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Every house, apartment, mobile home, and business in Charlemont is encouraged to sign up for world-class municipal fiber-optic broadband service coming to locations in FSA 01 in July. Renters can get the full installation subsidy of up to $1,400 with permission from the landlord when committing to a year of service. Non-resident landlords qualify for up to a $1,000 subsidy per rental unit for an exterior-only drop without the requirement to take service, making it free for most properties. The interior installation, a $450 value during the construction period, requires a commitment to take service for 12 months.
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Whip City Fiber (WCF), Charlemont’s ISP, is participating in the newly launched federal Emergency Broadband Benefit offering up to a $50/month discount on your municipal fiber service for qualifying households! This discount can be used in conjunction with the FCC’s Lifeline program. Emergency Broadband Benefit enrollment will begin on May 12, 2021. The monthly discount will be provided for as long as the program allows. Eligible households can enroll directly through WCF at www.whipcityfiber.com/promo/ebbp.
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Charlemont has reached a new milestone with over 300 subscribers committed to taking service! Subsidies to cover the one-time installation cost of each location are available to all who subscribe during the construction period currently expected to continue through 2021.
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Charlemont reached a milestone this week when 40% of all locations – every rental unit, business, and home- signed up for service! This magic number means that the network is projected to cover the annual costs of operating the network. Thanks to everyone that signed up and welcome to those of you who will be signing up during this ongoing construction period!
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The March 16th Broadband Information Session was packed with information and was recorded for those who were unable to attend the video or telephone conference. Whip City Fiber and the Charlemont Broadband Committee have prepared this summary video presentation along with a companion document of the questions submitted in advance and asked by participants in the meeting and the answers, organized by topic. A link to the original ninety-minute meeting recording is available upon request.
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