Fairpoint Keeps Making DSL Promises

Hello, Seekers of Broadband,

It has been a long time since you received an email about the search for high speed internet, and at last there is good news to report of a possible provider for all of us!

In May of this year, the Windham Broadband Project conducted a survey to see how many Windham homeowners would sign up for DSL from Verizon if it were available to them. We were hopeful that this would be possible since Verizon has installed fiber optic cable up Windham Hill Road. More than 50% of those receiving the survey said they were likely or very likely to sign up for DSL. The Windham select board sent a letter to Verizon with this information, urging them to deliver DSL here this year. Verizon responded two months later, basically saying they would probably deliver DSL to some homes in the area at some point in the future.

In late July, the Windham select board sent a similar letter to FairPoint Communications, the company that is trying to buy Verizon’s land lines in northern New England. Prior to that, FairPoint had announced a list of Vermont towns it would provide broadband to if the purchase were approved. Our area wasn’t on the list. The select board asked FairPoint to reconsider its list and add those in the Windham area without broadband.

FairPoint’s answer arrived within two weeks with a personal phone call to say that we had been added. That was followed by a press release, announcing that “Windham, Vermont and surrounding areas would be included in the Company’s announced $13.8 million expansion of broadband service in Vermont upon completion of the Company’s acquisition of Vermont land line business from Verizon Communications.” The release also said that access in the Windham area is expected to be available during late 2008 or early 2009.

FairPoint refers to its service as broadband and not DSL, explaining it is different (faster and more stable) and will include an option for cable TV. I contacted friends of mine in Maine who have FairPoint as their broadband provider, and they reported that FairPoint’s service is good. They were pleased with the installation of the service, with the quick and easy internet access it provides, and with the help line that has been there when needed.

Best of all, FairPoint has indicated that it will offer its services to all in our area who want it, which has been a goal of the Windham Broadband Project from the beginning. FairPoint also indicated that their plans include those in West Townshend near Windham Hill Road and those in the Jamaica area. (Please note, however, that FairPoint has not committed in writing to provide broadband service for "everyone” in our area. They have said in writing that they will provide broadband for more than 90% of their Vermont customers.)

FairPoint's service is contingent on approval of the Vermont Public Service Board, as well as similar boards in New Hampshire and Maine. You can help by contacting the Vermont PSB and expressing your interest in broadband from FairPoint. You can email psb.clerk@state.vt.us or write Public Service Board, 112 State Street, Drawer 20, Montpelier, VT 05620.

Questions have been raised about FairPoint’s financial ability to take on this three-state area. However, FairPoint maintains that it has the funds for the purchase of the land lines and that income generated from its new service areas will be invested in its expansion of broadband. The company focuses on delivery of services in rural areas and is well experienced in that regard. It is also committed to retaining all of Verizon’s current workers.

This is our best possibility for broadband. The Windham Broadband Project began the quest for broadband some 30 months ago. We have tried for two grants from the state and have not received them due to our small and sparse population. We’ve met with wireless vendors but not found one who can provide service for more than a small percentage of those who want it. Some folks have ventured on their own to get a satellite connection. Yet FairPoint says verbally it will offer good service for all of us.

Please help by sending an email or letter to the Public Service Board urging approval of FairPoints’ purchase of Verizon’s land lines so that you can receive broadband service. You can do it now by using this link: psb.clerk@state.vt.us

Thank you,

Mary McCoy
Windham Broadband Project