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CUD
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Plan / Model
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Terminology
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Other
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GWI
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What is the CUDs mission?
Like electricity, water, and sewer services, high-speed, fiber-based internet access lines should be considered a utility that needs to be connected to every home/business.
What is a CUD? How is it funded?
A Communications Union District (CUD) is an organization of two or more towns that join together as a municipal entity to build communication infrastructure together.
The CUD is currently funded using State and Federal grants, commercial loans, and revenue bonding. Once operational the CUD will be sustained by network revenue.
The CUD is currently funded using State and Federal grants, commercial loans, and revenue bonding. Once operational the CUD will be sustained by network revenue.
Does my town joining mean I pay extra taxes?
No, as stated in 30 VSA § 3056, CUDs do not have the power to levy, assess, apportion, or collect any tax upon property within the district, nor upon any of its members.
Can I opt-out of getting CUD internet?
There is no commitment to join. The CUD is simply building a network past your home/business.
Why are we part of a CUD?
CUDs are a vehicle to access state and federal funds. More importantly, CUDs serve as an alternative to relying on the incumbent providers to solve Vermont's broadband inequity.
What is the model?
NWFX will build, own, and maintain a FTTP (Fiber-to-the-Premise) open-access network. This network will universally serve every home/business that is currently not connected to a fiber network. The network creates a marketplace for retail ISPs, telehealth providers, 5G providers, enterprise, schools, towns, or other entities.
IS THE CUD USING PUBLIC FUNDS TO COMPETE WITH PRIVATELY-OWNED COMPANIES?
No — under this model, the CUD is not becoming a competitive ISP.
Which towns will get fiber first?
We are planning our project in phases that cross-town boundaries. We are using several factors to decide the order of the phases, while seeking to prioritize those most in need.
HOW DO I GET MY HOUSEHOLD CONNECTED TO CUD INTERNET?
You would place an order with a retail ISP. The ISP will then be scheduled to connect your home to the network. The retail ISP will supply all necessary equipment (ONT & WiFi router) to get you connected.
CAN I GET OTHER SERVICES, LIKE VOIP (VOICE OVER INTERNET PROTOCOL?
Depending on the retail ISP, Voice and even streaming video services will be available.
WHAT ARE THE INSTALLATION FEEs?
Vermont has some challenging geography, extra-long "drops," the connection from the pole to the premise, site-specific materials (new conduit), or difficult-to-access properties may require contributions from the property owner.
HOW RELIABLE WILL THE INTERNET BE?
Fiber-Optic broadband is the gold standard, and it is far less susceptible to weather events (like extreme cold, storms, etc.) and electromagnetic interference. NWFX plans to work with maintenance & operations vendors that can achieve 99.99% or better service connectivity.
What does symmetrical internet mean?
Internet connection with upload and download speeds that are the same. With increased demand from smart home & energy efficiency devices, remote working & learning, and telemedicine, upload speed is becoming as important as download speed. Symmetrical connections ensure your upload speeds aren't strained due to high use.
What does 100 Mbps mean? How do I find my internet speed?
What does 100 Mbps mean? How do I find my internet speed?
NWFX provides a speed test on our website. http://nwcud.speedtestcustom.com/
NWFX provides a speed test on our website. http://nwcud.speedtestcustom.com/
What is "fiber-optic" broadband?
Utilizing light to transfer information, it's the fastest communication technology on the planet. Most current ISP networks operate on copper wire infrastructure that limits the speed and amount of data that can be transferred.
What is "Open Access"?
An arrangement in which one network (publicly owned) is open to several independent service providers to offer services, rather than each provider building their own. Providers benefit from a lower market entry cost, and consumers benefit from competition.
What is a retail ISP?
A residential or small business internet service provider.
Is my home considered underserved?
The FCC definition is any home without at least 25/3 Mbps. (7836 in NWCUD). However, NWFX feels that the benchmark is dated and that any home that doesn't currently have a fiber connection with at least 100/20 Mbps is underserved.
What is dark fiber?
Dark fiber refers to fiber optic cables that are not currently in use. No data is being transmitted.
What will the regional economic impact be?
With greater accessibility and faster speeds, the sky's the limit: households can connect all of their devices without worry, entrepreneurs have the infrastructure they need to innovate, and governments have additional capacity to address local problems, from growing traffic congestion to managing databases. And this translates into improved economic performance with the creation of more jobs, more innovation, and incentives for additional infrastructure investments and companies relocating or expanding into the area.
How can I help?
Spread the word! If you are interested in being a part of the CUD Governing Board, contact your local selectboard.
Should I get Starlink?
Sure! If available, Starlink is a good solution for those with limited connectivity today. However, when constructed, the NWFX fiber network will provide a far superior level of connectivity.
HOW DOES WIRELESS (4G, 5G, ETC) AND/OR SATELLITE COMPARE TO A FIBER NETWORK?
While there are some benefits to a fixed-wireless or satellite connection, primarily a lower initial cost and mobility, those benefits don't outweigh the long term benefits of a FTTP network. A long term investment in fiber provides our CUD with the best option for broadband equity for the next 40-50 year. (Plus, mobile carriers rely on fiber networks for wireless deployment)
DO I QUALIFY FOR A BROADBAND SUBSITY OR REDUCED RATE?
The Affordable Connectivity Program is an FCC benefit program that helps ensure that households can afford the broadband they need for work, school, healthcare and more.
The benefit provides a discount of up to $30 per month toward internet service for eligible households and up to $75 per month for households on qualifying Tribal lands. Learn More
The benefit provides a discount of up to $30 per month toward internet service for eligible households and up to $75 per month for households on qualifying Tribal lands. Learn More
Who is gwi?
GWI VT is a wholly owned subsidiary of GWI. GWI, founded in 1994 and headquartered in Biddeford, Maine, is a Maine Benefit Corporation owned and operated Internet Service Provider (ISP), serving residential and business customers and is a fervent advocate for the expansion of high-speed internet access. The first broadband carrier in the nation to become B Corporation certified, GWI is an industry leader in designing, constructing, funding, and operating high-speed fiber networks.
Why did NWFX choose GWI to partner with?
Their experience in both the Northeast Region made them a superior and trusted choice as a strategic partner. We have many shared values and hold similar positions on open-access, universal service, and service affordability.
what is gwi RESPONSIBLE for?
In addition to ISP services, GWI VT will complete the design and manage the installation and subsequent operation of the network on behalf of NWFX. The network construction will be completed by a third-party installer engaged separately by NWFX with project management by GWI VT.