Green Mountain Power (GMP) has launched a Broadband Deployment Program to help more residents in some of the hardest-to-reach corners of the state get connected to broadband quickly and cost-effectively.
The plan approved on March 12 by the Vermont Public Utility Commission could lower the cost for broadband providers to connect the hardest-to-serve customer by offering up to $2,000 per unserved location for infrastructure connection costs.
“Getting reliable high-speed broadband to unserved and underserved communities is as essential as access to phone and electrical service,” Windham Regional Commission Executive Director Chris Campany said in a news release. “It affects access to health care, education, and employment, and can help reduce feelings of social isolation, which can improve overall well-being,”
The program aims to create greater equity for customers to access the economic, educational, and social benefits that come with connectivity, including the ability to choose innovative energy services that rely on broadband availability.
If broadband companies fully enroll for the discounts, more than 10,000 customers who do not have broadband could be connected by the end of next year.
The new Broadband Deployment Programs were developed in response to the Department of Public Service's call to action last year to use all available resources to create high-speed internet service to Vermonters.
The programs comprise one part of a larger effort by state officials and policy and business leaders across the state to enhance broadband connectivity in a variety of ways.
The program lowers the cost to broadband providers of what is called “make ready” work - the preparation and infrastructure work needed to deliver broadband service safely and reliably.
Often, that means stringing fiber along a route and making sure there is room for internet service providers' equipment on distribution poles.
“This is an all-hands-on-deck situation, and anything that can be done to facilitate the critical make-ready work should be done,” said Campany.
“The pandemic exposed connectivity inequities across Vermont that our state must address quickly using all available technologies and resources. This is a practical, cost-effective solution we can put to work now to help change that,” said GMP President and CEO Mari McClure.
Broadband providers can use these programs for new build-outs in GMP territory starting this spring and can find eligibility details at greenmountainpower.com.