Fidium Advances Fiber in Maine by 50 Percent

Rhea-AI Summary

Fidium Fiber has expanded its multi-gigabit fiber services to an additional 41,000 homes across eastern Maine, enhancing statewide access by 50%. The service aims to bridge the digital divide, with studies linking high-speed internet access to increased employment and household incomes in rural areas. Pricing starts at $35 monthly, with no data caps or contracts. Construction is ongoing for an additional 6,000 homes in Lisbon Falls. Fidium is under Consolidated Communications (NASDAQ: CNSL), which has also secured a grant to serve 21,000 homes in other regions.

Positive

• Expanded services to 41,000 additional homes, boosting fiber access in Maine by 50%.
• Pricing starts at $35 per month, with no data caps or contracts.
• Studies indicate fiber access correlates with higher employment and income in rural areas.
• Construction ongoing for 6,000 more homes in Lisbon Falls.

Negative

• None.

41,000 more homes in Augusta, Biddeford, Falmouth, Rockland and Waterville can now sign up for multi-gig speeds, without data caps, hassles or contracts

AUGUSTA, Maine--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Fidium’s multi-gigabit, all fiber service is now available to 41,000 additional homes in eastern Maine, increasing fiber connectivity in the state by 50 percent.

According to a University of Missouri study, higher rates of access to and adoption of wired broadband, like fiber, leads to higher employment in rural communities. Additional studies have shown that high-speed internet is connected to higher median household incomes and increased entrepreneurial activity in smaller towns.

“I’m really excited for folks to experience Fidium Fiber internet,” said Erik Garr, president of consumer and small business at Consolidated Communications. "Fidium is on its way to becoming the largest fiber provider in all of Maine, and we’re excited to be making so much progress in closing the digital divide.”

Fidium brings together highly reliable, symmetrical same upload and download speeds) fiber internet with the flexibility and resiliency of a mesh WiFi network. Fidium’s WiF6 technology continuously optimizes your home network experience. Customers can also get VoIP home phone service and streaming TV service. High-speed fiber plans start at just $35 per month, and discounts are available to eligible households through the Affordable Connectivity Plan and Lifeline Broadband Discount.

Every Fidium Fiber internet plan offers:

• simple, affordable pricing ($70 per month for 1 Gig,) that includes WiFi equipment, with no data cap and no contract;
• an intelligent whole-home mesh WiFi 6 experience with a top-rated gateway;
• the Attune WiFi mobile app providing network visibility and management, age-appropriate content settings, guest access, time of day usage controls, speed tests and more;
• easy, hassle-free installation on your schedule with text updates and two-hour appointment windows;
• intuitive customer portal with self-service options; and
• real time, proactive network monitoring to solve issues remotely and ensure the best internet performance.

Construction is now underway in Lisbon Falls, where more than 6,000 homes will have access to Fidium in the coming weeks. More information is available at FidiumFiber.com.

Earlier this year, NTIA announced Consolidated had been selected for a grant in partnership with Maine Connectivity Authority, which will bring Fidium Fiber to 21,000 homes in the Blue Hills Peninsula, Farmington and the Rangeley region. Fidium is already serving homes in Bangor, Eastbrook, Long Island, Portland, Rockland and Stonington, Maine.

To learn more and start referring your friends to Fidium, visit FidiumFiber.com. Follow Fidium at Facebook.com/FidiumFiber, Twitter.com/FidiumFiber, instagram.com/fidiumfiber and YouTube.com/FidiumFiber.

About Fidium Fiber

Fidium Fiber is a customer-centered, consumer fiber broadband service offering symmetrical multi-gig speeds and exceptional service. Fidium is available in California, Illinois, Maine, Minnesota, New Hampshire, Pennsylvania, Texas and Vermont with new locations available daily. Fidium is a brand from Consolidated Communications Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: CNSL). Consolidated is a leading broadband and business communications provider serving consumers, businesses, and wireless and wireline carriers across a 20-plus state service area. Learn more at FidiumFiber.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20220922005711/en/

Nicole Elton, 510-316-1430, nicole.elton@consolidated.com

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

Source: Consolidated Communications

FAQ

What recent service expansion did CNSL announce?

CNSL announced the expansion of Fidium Fiber services to an additional 41,000 homes in eastern Maine.

How much does Fidium Fiber cost?

Fidium Fiber services start at $35 per month.

What is the impact of Fidium Fiber on local communities?

Fidium Fiber's expansion is linked to increased employment and higher household incomes in rural areas.

What is the future construction plan for Fidium Fiber?

Construction is underway to bring Fidium services to an additional 6,000 homes in Lisbon Falls.

How does fiber access relate to economic growth?

Studies suggest higher fiber access rates lead to increased employment and entrepreneurial activity in rural communities.