FairPoint to extend broadband service in Bradford and Rupert

The Vermont Telecommunications Authority (VTA) has awarded FairPoint Communications $182,000 to expand its DSL broadband Internet service to locations currently without access in Bradford and Rupert.
‘ This is another important step in reaching my goal of making broadband available throughout our state,’ Governor Shumlin said. ‘ FairPoint has been a great partner in helping us achieve this.’
The grant is focused on 14 addresses in VTA Target Grant Areas. In Bradford, locations on Bugbee Lane are part of the project. In Rupert, addresses on Route 315, Derby Hill Road and Pawlet Mountain Road are included.
‘ We thank the VTA for its support on these projects. As we close in on the Governor’ s initiative to reach every Vermonter with high-speed broadband, these partnerships are crucial,’ said Mike Smith, Vermont state president for FairPoint.
The minimum combined download and upload speed being required for VTA grant awards is equal to or greater than five megabits per second Locations eligible for the grant program were compiled using the latest data collected from statewide service providers as part of Vermont’ s Broadband Mapping Initiative. Collecting data for the surveys is an ongoing process. This effort has enabled the state to identify unserved addresses and design grant funding to support infrastructure expansion where it is needed most. This VTA grant round was announced February 1, 2013, with $1,000,000 available for broadband expansion and a rolling end-of-month deadline for applications from service providers. Look for additional
announcements about awards and stay up-to-date on telecommunications expansion by visiting www.broadbandvt.org and www.telecomvt.org.