Consolidated Communications Investing $4 Million to Expand High-Speed Broadband in Five New Hampshire Towns

Rhea-AI Summary

Consolidated Communications (CNSL) has initiated the development of five new fiber networks in Cheshire County, N.H., partnering with local towns to enhance broadband access. The $13 million project, funded by a $4 million company investment, aims to provide fast, reliable internet to all homes and businesses in Dublin, Harrisville, Rindge, Walpole, and Westmoreland. Construction is set to begin with order fulfillment by early 2021. The initiative highlights the importance of dependable broadband for remote work and education, particularly during the pandemic.

Positive

• Investment of $4 million in broadband expansion.
• Project enhances broadband access for 8,000 residents.
• No tax increase associated with the infrastructure development.
• Plans to begin order fulfillment by early 2021.

Negative

• None.

MANCHESTER, N.H., Aug. 26, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Consolidated Communications, Holdings, Inc., (NASDAQ: CNSL), a leading broadband and business communications provider, today broke ground on five new fiber networks in partnership with towns in Cheshire County, N.H.

The company is partnering with the towns of Dublin, Harrisville, Rindge, Walpole and Westmoreland, N.H. to expand and enhance broadband access to every home and business in each town.

• The new fiber-to-the-premises network provides faster, highly reliable broadband connectivity, a significant upgrade for the 8,000 residents of these towns.
  
  
• Fiber allows people to work from home using a reliable connection that supports gaming, streaming, remote access and video conferencing, crucial for working and learning from home due to coronavirus.

“The start of this fiber network is a shining example of an entire community working together to improve not only our quality of life, but also the town's economic viability,” said John Snowdon, chairman of the Westmoreland broadband advisory committee. “Together, the town government, school and residents came together and chose Consolidated as the right partner for this project.  Given the uncertainty caused by the pandemic, having the reliability of a high-speed fiber network will help us if we are required to work and study from home. We hope more towns follow our lead and ensure the Monadnock region remains a wonderful place to live now and tomorrow.”

These new projects, totaling nearly $13 million and including a $4 million company investment, will bring high-speed, fiber-to-the-premises Internet networks directly to all homes and businesses in the aforementioned towns, without an increase in taxes. Agreements with each town were signed in March and bond funding was completed in August. Consolidated expects to start filling orders early in 2021.

“Access to true broadband has become a necessity,” said Dennis Marcom, project manager for broadband in Walpole. “Whether for our kid’s education, the need to work from home to keep a business afloat, to take advantage of safe and effective telemedicine, and the occasional entertainment, Internet is now a true necessity for our town. After a successful negotiation and collaboration with Consolidated Communications to bring broadband to our entire town, we are very excited that this technology is coming. Excited for the present and for the future.”

“Coronavirus didn’t create the need for reliable, high speed broadband in rural communities, but it has brought the need into greater focus,” said Rob Koester, senior vice president of consumer products for Consolidated. “These partnerships ensure rural towns are getting the broadband access their residents need without increasing taxes, and ensuring they have some control in the planning process. We are proud to be working alongside these forward-thinking towns and helping to pave the way for further growth and innovation ahead.”

• The company has a history of carving out broadband solutions for the underserved. On August 7, Consolidated announced plans to partner with the state of New Hampshire and local towns to invest an additional $18 million to expand and enhance broadband to more than 2,500 residents and businesses in Danbury, Springfield, Mason and Errol, N.H.
   
• In June, The Town of Long Island, Maine voted to partner with Consolidated Communications on a fiber expansion, enhancing high-speed Internet access for the town’s 407 residents and businesses. Since 2018, the company upgraded speeds to 500,000 residents and small businesses throughout Northern New England.
   
• In October 2019 Consolidated completed a new, high-speed, fiber-to-the-premises Internet network directly to all homes and businesses in Chesterfield, N.H. with no associated property tax increase. This project was the first of its kind in the state and served as a model for other communities.
   
• Customers can read more about the company’s progress in Northern New England by visiting its Progress webpage.  

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 45,850 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.

Media Contact: 
Nicole Elton, Consolidated Communications
510.316.1430, nicole.elton@consolidated.com

Jennifer Spaude, Consolidated Communications
507.386.3765, jennifer.spaude@consolidated.com

FAQ

What is Consolidated Communications (CNSL) doing to expand broadband in New Hampshire?

Consolidated Communications has begun building five fiber networks in Cheshire County, New Hampshire, to improve broadband access for local residents.

How much is Consolidated Communications investing in the new fiber networks?

Consolidated Communications is investing a total of nearly $13 million, which includes a $4 million investment from the company.

Which towns are involved in the Consolidated Communications fiber project?

The towns involved are Dublin, Harrisville, Rindge, Walpole, and Westmoreland in New Hampshire.

When does Consolidated Communications expect to start fulfilling orders for the new broadband service?

Consolidated Communications expects to start fulfilling orders by early 2021.

How many residents will benefit from the new fiber networks in Cheshire County?

Approximately 8,000 residents in the partnering towns will benefit from the new fiber networks.