CARIBOU, Maine – Travelers in Caribou and surrounding towns might soon see broadband internet line construction along the roadways.
Consolidated Communications plans to expand fiber internet network lines to Caribou, Woodland, Connor Township and Perham starting Tuesday, Sept. 10, said Kyle Thweat, senior communications specialist with Consolidated.
Thweat did not specify which towns or streets might first see network line construction but said drivers should be on the lookout.
“Crews will be working along the edge of private property within the public right-of-way and/or public utility easements. This work may require some temporary traffic detours, noise and dust,” Thweat said in a company press release.
Consolidated currently offers internet and phone service in Aroostook, and began expanding fiber internet, starting with Houlton and Madawaska this year. Fidium is Consolidated’s version of fiber internet and is projected to offer download and upload speeds from 100 megabits to 2 gigs, Thweat said.
The entire Consolidated fiber expansion, including Houlton and Madawaska, will be spread across 330 miles, Thweat said.
In Caribou, most streets seeing new fiber lines will be in downtown and nearby residential streets, with some more rural locations on Watson Memorial Drive, Bog Road, Bowles Road, River Road, Grimes Mill Road and Madawaska Road. Roadways in Woodland, Connor Township and Perham are also included in the company’s expansion map.
Consolidated is the second internet provider to recently commit to new fiber networks in Aroostook. Last year, Spectrum was awarded $6,891,229 from the Maine Connectivity Authority to expand fiber throughout Maine, including $496,983 for 74.5 miles within Caribou.
Caribou City Manager Penny Thompson said that Spectrum’s parent company Charter Communications is currently working to obtain pole permits for installing their fiber network lines.
“Competition in the marketplace is good for Caribou customers,” Thompson said, about Spectrum and Consolidated’s expansions.
The story was updated to correct Fidium’s download and upload speeds.
