The City Council Gets a Chance to Learn More about BFOA
Last Wednesday, the Bath Fiber Optic Alliance addressed the Bath City Council.
Why is this important?
While we have had multiple touch points with many of them individually. This opportunity was the first time we could address them together, present what our goals are and ask for their support.
The meeting went well, and we believe our message was well received. Here is what we were able to share with them:
What are we aiming for?
BFOA’s goal is the expansion of a fiber optic network to cover the “exclusion” zone left behind by GoNetSpeed – to level the digital playing field for all Bath residents.
The Alliance has already started outreach in our community and we continue to work to reach more people through various activities, including our newly launched website at www.bathfiberopticalliance.org. So far, BFOA is nearly 100 members strong!
Identifying an Internet Service Provider (ISP) partner
Finding an ISP that will be up to the task of planning, building, and servicing a fiber optic network for our community is Job One. Consolidated Communications Inc has the capacity to work with us, and to make a buildout cost-effective because they already have an extensive infrastructure in our community.
We have approached CCI to talk about their new Fidium fiber optic service, and are working with them on infrastructure framework, and on a possible regional collaboration with neighboring towns that would make an infrastructure grant application more attractive.
Applying for funding at the state level
BFOA is aiming to apply for a late Spring 2023, Maine Connectivity Authority Connect the Ready infrastructure grant that would fund a buildout in the areas unserved by GoNetSpeed. Because this will be the last grant program of its kind to be funded with ARPA money managed by the state of Maine, it is critical for us to be part of the spring grant round. The next waves of grants will funded by more restrictive federal programs that would not be available before 2024-2025.
What can the City Council do to help?
They can help us reach out to their constituents in wards 1,2,5,6,7 to advocate for this effort and drive residents to our website to join us.
They can include city funding for this initiative in the upcoming City Council budget cycle. Fiber optic is a significant driver of economic development for the city, and it will be critical for retaining young families and attracting newcomers, and to help retain our property values.
What can you do
Growing support for Bath Fiber Optic Alliance is essential. Please ask your Bath friends and neighbors to visit our website www.bathfiberopticalliance.org and sign-up to Join Us, whether they will be fortunate to have GoNetSpeed fiber, but especially if they live in the unserved area. The more voices, the better we will be heard!