Expansion Efforts Bring Broadband to More Than 44,000 New Households and Businesses
PORTLAND, Maine (January 27, 2011) – FairPoint Communications announced today it has met its goal to bring broadband to 83 percent of its customers in Maine.
This aggressive and unprecedented broadband expansion was financed solely by FairPoint and provides the infrastructure to allow more Mainers to capitalize on the increased availability and better use the Internet. As part of the expansion, FairPoint has turned up more than 260 new high-speed Internet sites statewide which made broadband available to more than 44,000 additional homes and businesses in Maine.
Since April 2008, FairPoint has invested more than $135 million in the communications infrastructure and technology to bring broadband to northern New England, including building over 700 miles of new fiber across the region. FairPoint has invested more than $37 million in Maine alone and has increased broadband availability from 68.9 percent to the current 83.4 percent of its customers.
“For over two years FairPoint has been working to increase broadband availability and improve our network in Maine,” said Michael Reed, Maine state president. “We are very pleased to announce that we have met the target set by the regulatory agreement. Broadband access is fundamental to the state’s future economic growth and our employees have been working diligently to expand broadband access across the state.”
FairPoint’s investment also resulted in a new network infrastructure called VantagePoint(SM). This fiber-based, high-capacity network delivers the critical bandwidth, data, and carrier Ethernet services that positions Maine to compete in a technology-dependent world.
Dana Connors, president of the Maine State Chamber of Commerce added, “We commend FairPoint for their investment in their network, their commitment to expanding broadband in Maine and congratulate them for reaching the 83 percent target. As outlined in our Making Maine Work report, investments such as this benefit the entire state because it connects Maine businesses to customers and markets beyond our borders. Expanded, affordable broadband access is vitally important to future economic growth.”
The new network’s dedicated bandwidth can support multiple users and bandwidth-intensive applications like video conferencing and e-learning. Additionally, VantagePoint delivers the a robust and protected network with a full-range of communications services, which is essential to meeting the current and future demand for high-speed bandwidth in northern New England.
“Broadband availability is critical to both Maine consumers and businesses,” said Steve Wallace, president of the Southern Maine Midcoast Chamber. “FairPoint’s investment has helped expand the region’s access to broadband and their new network will help enhance and support economic development in our region.”
Internet packages start as low as $35.99. For additional information about FairPoint High-Speed Internet prices and bundled plans, residential consumers can call 1-866-984-2001 or visit www.FairPoint.com.
About FairPoint
FairPoint Communications, Inc. is an industry leading provider of communications services to communities across the country. Today, FairPoint owns and operates 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. Learn more at www.FairPoint.com.
Contact:
Jeff Nevins
207.535.4170
jnevins@fairpoint.com
PR Archives: Latest, By Company, By Date