Vermont Business Magazine The Northwest Vermont Communications Union District, d/b/a Northwest Fiberworx (NWFX) based in Saint Albans, Vermont, has signed an agreement with the Biddeford Internet Corporation, d/b/a Great Works Internet Vermont (GWI VT) located in South Royalton, Vermont paving the way for 30,000 locations over 22 Northwestern Vermont communities to access a robust, reliable, and affordable fiber internet network.
Under the agreement, NWFX will construct, own, maintain, and operate an “open access” fiber-optic cable network and associated equipment and facilities. GWI VT will license the network from NWFX. In addition, GWI VT will complete the design and manage the installation and subsequent operation of the network on behalf of NWFX.
The network construction will be completed by a third-party installer engaged separately by NWFX with project management by GWI VT.
“This is a major step forward toward our goal of bringing broadband to all Vermonters. Congratulations to everyone at Northwest Fiberworx and the CUD’s residents who will soon be able to realize the economic, social, health, and many other benefits broadband offers,” said VCBB Executive Director Christine Hallquist.
Formed in 2020, NWFX staff, Governing Board (town/village representatives), the VCBB, and select specialized consultants have worked continuously to assemble the many moving parts required to realize our community-owned fiber optic network that prioritizes the unserved in our region. Some of these steps included feasibility studies, accessing and securing funds, high-level network design, procuring equipment and materials, budgeting, scheduling, contracting an ISP partner, and related administrative work to ensure things are done right.
“We are excited to have achieved this milestone for our CUD. The staff and the board worked tirelessly to ensure we selected a partner aligned with our mission and values. GWI understands what is important to us and the communities we represent. We look forward to forging a long relationship as we collaboratively work to build a network and provide universal and affordable service,” says Sean Kio, NWFX Executive Director.
GWI VT is a wholly owned subsidiary of GWI. GWI is a benefit corporation and was the nation’s first B Corporation Certified broadband carrier. GWI is no stranger to Vermont and the CUD concept, having recently formed GWI Vermont to manage all operating responsibilities of Valley Net — the former ISP founded in Vermont as a non-profit in 1994 and operator of ECFiber since 2008. GWI is also assisting DVFiber with the construction and operation of their network.
“Our commitment to Vermont and our project with NWFX goes far beyond providing better internet for folks’ homes and businesses. Once complete, this next-gen infrastructure will significantly impact the region’s opportunities for economic development, telecommuting and remote work, healthcare, education, agriculture, and public safety,” says Kerem Durdag, GWI VT’s President and COO.
About NWFX (nwfiberworx.com) -
The mission of NWFX (formerly NWCUD) is to leverage partnerships and procure funding to connect Northwestern Vermont via Open Access Fiber to ensure opportunity for all member communities in our region: Alburgh, Bakersfield, Berkshire, Enosburg, Fairfax, Fairfield, Franklin, Georgia, Grand Isle, Highgate, Isle La Motte, Montgomery, North Hero, Richford, Saint Albans Town, Sheldon, South Hero, Swanton, Village of Alburgh, Village of Enosburg Falls, and Village of Swanton.
About GWI Vermont (gwivermont.net) -
GWI VT is a wholly owned subsidiary of GWI. GWI, founded in 1994 and headquartered in Biddeford, Maine, is a Maine Benefit Corporation owned and operated Internet Service Provider (ISP), serving residential and business customers and is a fervent advocate for the expansion of high-speed internet access. The first broadband carrier in the nation to become B Corporation certified, GWI is an industry leader in designing, constructing, funding, and operating high-speed fiber networks.
Source: 9.12.2023. Vermont Department of Public Service. Montpelier
