At GoNetspeed, we’re passionate about Connecting Communities. In New Britain, Connecticut, we’ve successfully partnered with the community to leverage funding through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), expanding high-speed fiber Internet access to transform lives, one Internet connection at a time.
And at the same time, in rural Maine, we have been awarded a line extension grant from the Maine Connectivity Authority (MCA) that will allow us to expand high-speed fiber Internet in several small communities in Penobscot, Somerset and Piscataquis counties. But before we dive into those stories, let’s take a moment to talk about ARPA.
Enacted in March 2021, this $1.9 trillion economic stimulus bill was signed into law to speed up the United States’ recovery from the economic and health impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. A slice of that enormous pie was set aside for improving broadband infrastructure across the country, and we’ve been using some of that funding to bring high-speed fiber Internet to communities far and wide.
A Fiber Revolution in New Britain
The Situation:
According to census data, about 25% of residents in New Britain, Connecticut, were without a broadband subscription between 2016 and 2020. We knew it was high time we step in and shake things up.
Our Mission:
We’re GoNetspeed, after all, and we had one goal in mind: deliver high-speed fiber to every household in New Britain. The whole community deserved better, faster Internet, and we were just the team to make it happen.
The Approach:
We knew it wouldn’t be easy, but we’re not ones to back down from a challenge. We participated in a competitive RFP process and won! Why? Well, because of our sterling reputation in other Connecticut communities. We put our money where our mouth is, earmarking 50% of the total cost for the new network. The remaining half was funded by the ARPA, doubling the investment in the community – with zero extra cost for New Britain taxpayers. Talk about teamwork!
The Outcome:
Here’s where it gets really exciting! After six months and laying down 175 miles of fiber, we managed to span the entirety of the city. Now, over 30,000 homes and 128 of New Britain’s city buildings and cameras are connected to high-speed fiber Internet.
On to the next adventure!
Making Moves in Maine
The Situation:
This one takes us up to Maine, where the Maine Connectivity Authority’s Reach Me Line Extension Program extended us a grant of $2.5 million.
The Plan:
We’re using this funding to extend our existing network into the rural areas of Maine. Because why should city folks have all the fun?
The Impact:
Thanks to this grant, we’ll bring high-speed fiber Internet to an additional 400 homes in the most rural parts of Maine. Welcome to the GoNetspeed family!
Looking Ahead:
This is a recent development and we’re thrilled to embark on this journey. We aim to have these homes connected by 2025. So keep your eyes peeled for updates as we make strides in our mission to bring fiber to Maine’s rural areas.
The Takeaway?
So why should you be excited about high-speed fiber Internet?
It transforms your online experience.
Whether you’re streaming your favorite movie in ultra-high definition, gaming with zero lag, attending video conferences, or managing smart home devices, fiber Internet is the game-changer you’ve been waiting for. Say goodbye to buffering, dropped connections, and slow upload/download speeds. With GoNetspeed, you’re not just getting Internet, you’re stepping into the future of connectivity.
Here at GoNetspeed, we believe in being a good partner.
With the help of ARPA and other funding opportunities, we’ve been able to expend our impact and connect more communities nationwide. This public-private partnership model, combining our expertise with federal and state funding, has allowed us to make a real difference in the communities we serve.
What’s Next for GoNetspeed?
More community partnerships, more high-speed fiber, and more challenging the big guys of telecom. We’re always working toward connecting communities, one town at a time.
If these stories have sparked your interest and you’re ready to join the GoNetspeed family, there’s no better time than now!
Check availability in your area and sign up today for our high-speed fiber Internet.
And if you’re in a town where we’re not (yet!), let us know. Express your interest and we’ll take it as a sign to speed things up in your neighborhood.