Cooperative effort brings Sovernet Fiber to Vermont libraries

The advent of the digital age at one time raised concerns about the future of local libraries, but resilient community libraries have welcomed digital technology with open arms. Many Vermont libraries are taking a huge step forward in 2013 as community learning centers as they turn up data services on Sovernet Communication’s new state-of-the-art fiber optic network.’ The network, being completed this year, has been built in partnership with the Vermont Telecommunications Authority (VTA) and National Telecommunications & Information Administration (NTIA), and will be owned and operated by Sovernet.
‘This took a lot of work and a lot of time,’ said State Librarian Martha Reid, head of the Vermont Department of Libraries. ‘We had a statewide conference where we met with local librarians to get them on board. We now have 43 libraries signed on.’ And from the reports we’re getting, library users noted right away a tremendous improvement in speed and bandwidth.’
The three-year project is being funded by a combination of public and private capital, including a $33.4 million grant from the NTIA’s Broadband Technology Opportunities Program, a $2 million grant from the State of Vermont via the VTA, a $400,000 library-specific grant from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, and over $12 million of private capital committed by Sovernet.’ ‘ By the end of the year, when the project wraps up, Sovernet will have helped provide fiber access to libraries around the state, from some of the Vermont’s largest in Rutland, Bennington, Montpelier and Brattleboro, to smaller facilities in Wardsboro, Rupert, Westminster West and Weston.
‘With respect to libraries, this project is bringing what were historically our community education centers, into the modern age,’ said Gregg Noble, Sovernet’s Business Development Manager.’ ‘There are a number of things that can be done with this technology that just simply couldn’t be done before. It’s an enormous boost to the usefulness of our community libraries.’
The availability of fiber optic quality Internet access has increased usage at the libraries. Librarian Carol Scott of the Fair Haven Free Library said they have not had time to fully focus on getting the word out, ‘But we still have a lot more people coming to the library to use the Internet now,’ she said. ‘People come in and download movies and they say the computers are lightning fast. We are definitely seeing an increase in use. People are talking about it and the word is getting around.’’
Gail Woll, the Librarian at the Dorset Village Library, said when she came to the area 13 years ago, her library didn’t even have one computer, and the village didn’t get cell phone service until a little over a year ago. ‘Now we’re telling people to come to the library, because we have this fabulous Internet access,’ Woll said. ‘We’re going to be offering classes to help people learn how they can use this to advantage, downloading videos, e-books and the like.’
Reid agreed that getting more people to realize that so many libraries now have fiber optic Internet access is vital.’ ‘We really, really want to get the word out,’ she said, ‘that free public access to computers and streaming quality Internet is critical. Our libraries are where a lot of people come to use computers to find jobs, to improve their education, and to research and access reliable healthcare information. We are active community partners with Vermont Health Connect during the Affordable Health Care enrollment period. This can be life-changing for people. We are thrilled to have it.’
Sovernet BELLOWS FALLS, VT ‘’ November 12, 2013
About Sovernet Communications:’ Founded in 1995, Sovernet Communications provides reliable Internet and telecommunication services to residential and business customers throughout Northern New England.’ The company is headquartered in Bellows Falls, Vermont with facilities throughout Vermont and southwest New Hampshire.’ Sovernet is in the final stages of constructing a 900 mile fiber optic network in Vermont, with funding through the federal BTOP program, and the State of Vermont, that will provide fiber-based services to over 340 Vermont community institutions such as public libraries, public safety agencies, municipalities, State of Vermont offices, K-12 and post-secondary schools and healthcare institutions.’ With additional fiber miles, beyond the BTOP project, Sovernet’s new network will span more than 1400 miles, and will interconnect with several other new adjoining regional ‘middle-mile’ fiber networks, including the New Hampshire FastRoads network, MassBroadband 123 and the ION network in upstate New York.’ ‘ ION, an Albany NY-based subsidiary of Sovernet, operates a 3,000 mile fiber transport network in New York State, and is also nearing completion of a BTOP-funded fiber network.’ For more information please visit’ www.sovernet.com.