Northeast Kingdom Fiber Network
Map Legend Estimated Completion Dates
Green: December, 2013 - March, 2014 Blue: April 2014 - December, 2014
What is the Northeast Kingdom (NEK) Fiber Network?
Fiber optic technology is at the core of every telecommunications network, both broadband Internet and cell phone. A “fiber optic cable” refers to tiny strands of glass encased in cabling that can carry enormous amounts of digital data and have the highest potential speeds over long distances. We’re building this infrastructure so fiber optic technology will be much closer to end users in many underserved areas of the three counties of the Northeast Kingdom.
How Does the Network Benefit Cell Service and Broadband Internet Expansion?
Cellular towers and other cellular infrastructure need fiber optic routes for “backhaul,” the means of transmitting signals from the wireless antennae to carriers’ nationwide and global networks.
For broadband Internet, getting fiber optic cable closer to end users makes faster Internet access possible even when the final leg of service to homes and businesses is a copper telephone line, coaxial cable TV lines or wireless signal.
What Role Does the VTA Play?
The VTA is not an Internet Service Provider (ISP). We manage fiber optic strands and routes for lease to telecommunication and electric utility companies. Once the NEK Fiber Network – or a section of it – is service ready, companies that have leased strands can connect to their own networks.
Here’s an analogy we like to use: the VTA, and others, are building a set of virtual railroad tracks. The ISPs or cell phone companies are the trains that provide service to the customer. They lease the “tracks” and make them function by “lighting” the fiber with their own electronic equipment.
Does Your Business Need Business Class or High-speed Internet?
The next step in getting to the destination of having new high-speed broadband Internet service available to end-users is gathering more information about business demand for services. We’ll share that with ISPs.
If you’re a business – or know of one – in the NEK where faster Internet speeds and additional capacity could enable job creation, increased profitability and/or greater efficiency, please fill out our quick Survey Monkey survey.
Where Will the Network Be Located?
- Derby Line to Derby, Route 5
- Derby to Brighton, Route 105
- Brighton to Bloomfield, Route 105
- Newport to Jay, Routes 105, 101 & 242
- Newport to Irasburg, Routes 5 and 14
- Irasburg to Albany, Route 14
- Albany to Craftsbury, Craftsbury Road
- Craftsbury to Hardwick, Route 14
- Orleans to Barton, Telfer and Baird Roads
- Guildhall to Beecher Falls, Route 102
- Beecher Falls to Norton, Route 114
The route connects from Guildhall across to Northumberland, NH to a 744-mile New Hampshire fiber optic network.
When Will the Network Be Completed?
The entire network is scheduled to be complete by December 2014.
The Newport to Hardwick segment is complete and ready for service.
Who Funded Projects or Awarded Grants to Help Build the NEK Fiber Network?
Federal Economic Development Administration
Northern Borders Regional Commission
National Telecommunications Information Administration
Vermont Legislative Capital Appropriation to the VTA
Who Has Contributed to the Network?
New Hampshire Optical Systems
Northern Enterprises North-Link Route
Vermont Electric Cooperative (VEC)