A Municipal Fiber to the Home Network for Charlemont Massacusetts
Although the town has received notification that our distribution contractor, TriWire, has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy as a part of an acquisition, work on the network continues. Our final fiber service area, FSA 03, has begun network construction and Charlemont is expecting confirmation of the completion of testing in FSA 05.
Comments closedCrews from TriWire have successfully crossed the Deerfield at the Shunpike with strand and fiber! After crossing the river, the construction team will proceed along another wooded easement. Charlemont has a LOT of easements!
Comments closedFiber splicers have been in short supply in Charlemont, leading to a multi-week slip in the release schedule for FSA 05. Originally projected to start service installations in September, this second fiber service area, which spans from the Federated church east through Avery Brook Road and the Red Rose motel, is now expected to go live in October with a commitment to complete testing early next week.
Comments closedLabor Day marks the traditional end of summer when preparations begin in earnest for the cold months ahead. To ensure access to a town installation subsidy of up to $1,400, homes and businesses with underground utilities should be sure to sign up for service now to schedule exterior path preparation before the ground freezes. There are smaller subsidies for non-resident landlords and homeowners who are not ready to take service but would like to make sure that a premise is internet-ready for a future tenant or potential buyer. Details are available in the Charlemont Connect Service Connection and Installation Policy.
Comments closedOur distribution network contractor, TriWire, has completed the Chickly River crossing in FSA 02! There remains one more Deerfield River crossing at Shunpike in FSA 02, expected to be completed this month.
Comments closedCurious about the equipment that will be installed in your home or business to support Charlemont’s fiber-optic service? A board with samples of the equipment included with an installation remains on display in Avery’s store’s front window through the end of August.
Comments closedCharlemont’s municipal fiber network, Charlemont Connect, is now serving over 50 customers since its late July launch! Homes and businesses are eligible to receive service if they are located in the village west of the town hall and convenience store through to Zoar Outdoor, including Warfield Road, Riddell Road, High Street. East Hawley Road and South River Road.
Comments closedThe 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!
Comments closedTo celebrate the launch of Charlemont’s municipal fiber network, Broadband Committee member, Mary Ellen Banks, provides updated guidance on selecting a streaming service in this installment of her occasional series on the topic.
Comments closedThe interior installation of your municipal fiber-optic service will require some preparation in your home or business. The customer is expected to provide a regular 110 volt AC electrical outlet at the optical network terminal (ONT) and the desired router locations. The ONT is typically installed near your electrical panel but installation teams will work with you to determine a suitable location. It is recommended that a battery backup for the ONT and the router is provided to allow for service in the event of a power outage. This might be an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) or it could be a connection to a backup generator.
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