New public Wi-Fi network will also keep the downtown island connected
PORTLAND, Maine – July 8, 2021 – The Town of Rumford, Maine, recently selected Consolidated Communications (NASDAQ: CNSL), a top 10 fiber provider in the U.S., to construct its new, high-speed, fiber-to-the-premises (FTTP) internet network, capable of delivering one gigabit symmetrical speeds, in its downtown area.
The town joins a growing list of municipalities across Northern New England entrusting Consolidated Communications with constructing or enhancing their fiber broadband network.
The new broadband network will deliver faster, highly reliable fiber internet connectivity to businesses on Rumford’s downtown island district. The fiber network will also provide dependable connections supporting video conferencing and cloud services; allow the creation and uploading of high-bandwidth content; and enable use of multiple connected devices simultaneously and streaming without interruption. In addition, fiber network connectivity creates numerous, lasting economic development, e-commerce and quality-of-life benefits and opportunities.
“Partnerships are necessary for rural towns to expand and grow,” said George O’Keefe, Jr., economic development director for the Town of Rumford. “Consolidated is taking Maine’s telecommunications infrastructure to a new level, so maintaining a relationship with the company is a core aspect of Rumford’s economic development strategy.”
Rumford’s fiber network is funded through a grant from the Northern Borders Regional Commission. Consolidated will also install a new, public Wi-Fi network in the downtown area, which is supported by Bangor Savings Bank, the Northern Forest Center and Community Concepts. “Having fiber internet in Rumford is essential for strengthening and preserving our core employment sectors and will help the town retain high-quality employment,” shared O’Keefe.
Public-private fiber network partnerships ensure rural towns have the broadband access residents and businesses need to work, learn and live; utilize public funding solutions; and are an efficient model to deliver enhanced broadband services to rural towns.
“Internet access is critical for rural towns to grow and thrive,” said Rob Koester, senior vice president of consumer product at Consolidated Communications. “When people and businesses are connected to fast, reliable broadband services, the results we see are what drive our work to expand and improve broadband across the state and region.”
In addition to its public-private partnerships, last December, Consolidated announced plans to upgrade more than 70% of its passings to symmetrical, multi-Gig speeds over a five-year period. The company is making significant progress on this accelerated fiber build plan, including its work to upgrade more than 300,000 locations in 2021.
The availability of gigabit speeds will be transformational for people and communities across the country and in Northern New England.
About Consolidated Communications
Consolidated Communications Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: CNSL) is dedicated to moving people, businesses and communities forward by delivering the latest reliable communications solutions. Consumers, businesses and wireless and wireline carriers depend on Consolidated for a wide range of high-speed internet, data, phone, security, cloud and wholesale carrier solutions. With a network spanning nearly 50,000 fiber route miles, Consolidated is a top 10 U.S. fiber provider, turning technology into solutions that are backed by exceptional customer support. Learn more at consolidated.com. Connect with us on social media.