Initiative extends reliable, superfast internet connectivity to previously unserved areas of Mathews, Caroline, Lancaster and Middlesex counties
QUINCY, Mass., February 15, 2023 – Breezeline, the nation’s eighth-largest cable operator, today announced that construction has been completed on a $7.2 million, 150-mile fiber-broadband network that will serve more than 1,400 homes and businesses in Mathews, Caroline, Lancaster and Middlesex counties.
The project has been funded through a $4.2 million Virginia Telecommunication Initiative (VATI) grant administered by the Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD). Breezeline contributed $1.5 million towards the project, with the remaining $1.5 million supported by the counties. The first homes were activated through the initiative in May 2022.
“We are excited to have completed the construction of this state-of-the-art fiber-broadband network to serve the homes and businesses of these four counties,” said William T. Newborg, Director of Grants and Funding for Breezeline. “We are grateful to the Breezeline engineers, technicians, and contractors, as well as our dedicated community partners who have made it possible to successfully complete the project.”
With the construction phase now complete, the communities will have access to reliable, superfast internet for distance learning, work-from-home, telehealth, gaming and more. Breezeline representatives will be visiting homes in the project areas to discuss service offerings. Door hangers also will be left with contact information for those wishing to activate Breezeline services.
The initiative is one of multiple private-public broadband partnerships that Breezeline has pursued to expand the reach of broadband across its service areas. With support from the Rural Digital Opportunity Fund and the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (also known as the CARES Act), and other partnerships, Breezeline has completed additional expansion projects in Middlesex, Caroline and King George counties in Virginia, St. Mary’s and Queen Anne’s counties in Maryland, and in Wolfeboro, New Hampshire.
ABOUT BREEZELINE
Cogeco US, operating as Breezeline, a subsidiary of Cogeco Communications Inc. (TSX: CCA), is the eighth-largest cable operator in the United States. The company provides its residential and business customers with Internet, TV and Voice services in 13 states: Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Virginia and West Virginia. Cogeco Communications Inc. also operates in Québec and Ontario, in Canada, under the Cogeco Connexion name. Cogeco Inc.’s subsidiary, Cogeco Media, owns and operates 21 radio stations as well as a news agency serving audiences primarily in the province of Québec.
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Media Contact
Andrew Walton
Breezeline
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