PORTLAND, Maine (March 9, 2010) – FairPoint Communications today announced that through a grant from the ConnectME Authority it has expanded broadband communications services in the Town of Arrowsic, Maine. Residents of Arrowsic now have access to high-speed Internet and are able to quickly e-mail photos, download music and surf the Internet. FairPoint High-Speed Internet is now available for the first time to eligible customers in the community.
The total project cost was $105,120 and FairPoint received a grant through the ConnectME Authority for 50 percent of the project. FairPoint was responsible for the matching amount. The project makes broadband available to approximately 230 households in Arrowsic and provides availability to virtually 100 percent of the community.
“Communities across the state are eager for broadband products and service, and we are extremely pleased to receive the ConnectME grant and announce that high-speed Internet is now available to the residents of Arrowsic,” said Mike Reed, Maine state president. “We understand the importance of access to broadband to the residents and businesses in the state and this demonstrates our continued commitment to expanding broadband availability in Maine.”
“We are very excited that FairPoint is bringing broadband to the town,” said Larry Wilson, Arrowsic selectman. “This not only means that virtually all of our residents now have access to high-speed Internet, it also gives residents the option of working out of their homes or maybe even starting a business from their home. This will directly benefit our community in many ways.”
The ConnectME initiative was created in 2006 to expand broadband throughout Maine. Funding for the grants comes from a surcharge on instate retail communications services. Grant applications are judged based on a number of criteria, including the projected percentage of households that would be served, the level of public-private partnerships created, and the level of community support for the projects; and the financial viability of the projects.
About FairPoint
FairPoint Communications, Inc. is an industry leading provider of communications services to communities across the country. Today, FairPoint owns and operates 32 local exchange companies in 18 states offering advanced communications with a personal touch including local and long distance voice, data, Internet, television and broadband services. FairPoint is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol FRP. Learn more at www.FairPoint.com.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Jeff Nevins
207-648-3088
jnevins@fairpoint.com
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