A Municipal Fiber to the Home Network for Charlemont Massacusetts
Splicing is complete in Charlemont’s first fiber service area (FSA), the fourth and longest step in the construction process! Splice teams will move from FSA 01 east into FSA 05, where the fiber and MST construction are close to completion awaiting some remedial make-ready, and then onto FSA 04. The network hub is also seeing splicing activity as TriWire prepares for the testing and validation of the fiber connections to each location.
Comments closedEvery 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.
Comments closedOur partners at Westfield Gas & Electric (WG&E) have completed the installation of the active electronics in the Charlemont Network Hub. With this step, Charlemont’s municipal fiber network hub is now lit and connected to the world! The purchase of the active electronics was supported by a USDA Rural Business Development Grant (RBDG) of $36,000.
Comments closedCharlemont’s municipal fiber network team is seeking volunteers to staff a broadband information table between 12:45 PM and 5 PM at the Charlemont town elections that run from noon – 7 PM on Tuesday, May 25. If you are able to spend an hour or two outdoors at the town garage handing out information and answering questions about the project, please contact Charlemont Connect.
Comments closedThe Charlemont network hub has been connected to the MBI 123 middle mile network co-located in the basement of Goodnow Town Hall! This work was performed by the MassBroadband 123 network operator Local Lynx. This connection will serve as the Charlemont Connect municipal fiber network ‘backhaul’ that will carry information between Charlemont’s municipal network and the wider world.
Comments closedWhip City Fiber has begun the consultations for underground installations in FSA 01 and FSA 05. To be contacted for installation consultation, residents must be signed up for service.
Comments closedOur distribution contractor, TriWire, has completed the strand and fiber optic installation on the ‘Big Easement’ of FSA 05, a utility easement that runs for about a mile through the woods behind homes on Route 2 and Burrington Rd. Fiber teams accessed this area largely on foot pulling the strand and fiber into position then climbing each utility pole to attach the strand and fiber.
Comments closedWhip 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.
Comments closedThe distribution network construction continues across three fiber service areas (FSAs). FSA 01 is nearing completion with splicing continuing intermittently as a technician is available. FSA 05 has strand and fiber installed throughout most of the area and will continue with the installation of MSTs. FSA 04 has strand in many areas and fiber in some locations.
Comments closedCharlemont 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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