Consolidated Communications Completes Broadband Network Upgrades in Four New Hampshire Towns

Rhea-AI Summary

Consolidated Communications (NASDAQ: CNSL) has completed the construction of new fiber-to-the-premises broadband networks in Danbury, Errol, Mason, and Springfield, New Hampshire, benefiting over 2,000 residents and businesses. This project involved over 500 miles of fiber installation and was supported by a $3.5 million state grant as part of the Emergency Broadband Expansion Program, along with the company’s investment of $1.5 million. Consolidated plans to upgrade 300,000 locations in 2021, aiming to enhance Internet access for remote work and education.

Positive

• Completion of new fiber networks in four towns, enhancing broadband access for over 2,000 residents and businesses.
• Secured $3.5 million grant from New Hampshire to support broadband expansion.
• Company's investment of $1.5 million toward improving broadband infrastructure.
• Plans to upgrade 300,000 locations in 2021 will boost Internet speeds and connectivity.

Negative

• None.

More than 2,000 Danbury, Errol, Mason and Springfield residents and businesses to benefit from advanced broadband services

MANCHESTER, N.H. , Dec. 17, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Consolidated Communications (NASDAQ: CNSL), a top-10 fiber provider in the U.S., today announced the completion of new, high-speed, fiber-to-the-premises broadband networks to homes and businesses in the New Hampshire towns of Danbury, Errol, Mason and Springfield. More than 500 miles of fiber were constructed, serving more than 2,000 residents and businesses.

In August, Consolidated was awarded $3.5 million from the state’s Connecting New Hampshire Emergency Broadband Expansion Program to bring enhanced and upgraded Internet services to these towns. Grants awarded through the program support the increased need for Internet connectivity due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the emphasis on distance learning, telework, telehealth and other remote services. The grant awarded to Consolidated - along with the company’s own investment of $1.5 million - funded the broadband projects.

“Access to high-speed Internet is critical and with the continued support of our state and federal partners, we will connect even more residences and businesses,” said Rob Koester, senior vice president, consumer product management at Consolidated Communications.

For towns like Mason, the network build-outs were timely, with many residents continuing to work remotely and schools transitioning to virtual learning.

“When our schools went entirely remote a few weeks ago, there were numerous families with concerns, especially those without any Internet options besides high-latency, data-capped satellite,” said Bill Schongar, chair of the Mason Broadband Committee. “Knowing fast and affordable Internet services would soon be available to them was the best holiday gift they could ask for.”

Consolidated recently announced plans to upgrade 300,000 locations in 2021 as part of its accelerated fiber build plan, which includes Northern New England. The availability of gigabit speeds will boost economic development, e-commerce and quality-of-life for hundreds of thousands of people and communities across the region.

For more information on the company’s network build plan and investments, which will significantly boost speeds and result in an exceptional customer experience, visit consolidated.com/future.

About Consolidated Communications
Consolidated Communications Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: CNSL) is a leading broadband and business communications provider serving consumers, businesses, and wireless and wireline carriers across rural and metro communities and a 23-state service area. Leveraging an advanced fiber network spanning 46,300 fiber route miles, Consolidated Communications is a top-10 fiber provider in the U.S. offering a wide range of communications solutions, including: high-speed Internet, data, phone, security, managed services, cloud services and wholesale, carrier solutions. From our first connection 125 years ago, Consolidated is dedicated to turning technology into solutions, connecting people and enriching how they work and live. Visit www.consolidated.com for more information.

Contact:
Shannon Sullivan, Consolidated Communications
603-656-1521, shannon.sullivan@consolidated.com

Jennifer Spaude, Consolidated Communications
507-386-3765, jennifer.spaude@consolidated.com

FAQ

What is the significance of the new broadband networks completed by CNSL?

The new fiber-to-the-premises networks significantly enhance broadband access for over 2,000 residents and businesses in New Hampshire, facilitating remote work and education.

How much funding did CNSL receive for the broadband project?

Consolidated Communications received a $3.5 million grant from New Hampshire's Emergency Broadband Expansion Program to support the broadband project.

What are CNSL's plans for broadband expansion in 2021?

In 2021, Consolidated Communications plans to upgrade 300,000 locations as part of its accelerated fiber build plan.

How many miles of fiber were constructed for the new broadband networks?

More than 500 miles of fiber were constructed to serve the towns of Danbury, Errol, Mason, and Springfield.