In a recent government meeting, officials from Frontier Communications outlined their ambitious plans to expand fiber optic internet access across Connecticut, emphasizing their commitment to both single-family homes and multi-dwelling units (MDUs). Since emerging from bankruptcy in 2021, Frontier has focused on building a robust fiber network, with a goal of reaching 10 million customer locations by the end of 2025. So far, they have successfully connected over 1 million homes in Connecticut, with significant progress reported in the Naugatuck Valley region.
Frontier's initiative, dubbed \"Building Gigabit America,\" aims to provide high-speed, symmetrical internet service, which offers equal download and upload speeds—a key differentiator from traditional cable services. The company has recently increased its maximum speed offerings to 7 gigabits, with plans to test even higher speeds in the future. This expansion is seen as crucial for enhancing quality of life, supporting remote work, education, and healthcare services that increasingly rely on reliable internet connectivity.
During the meeting, municipal leaders raised concerns about ongoing issues, including improperly installed cables and maintenance of local facilities. Frontier representatives assured attendees that they are committed to addressing these concerns promptly, with plans to clean up any cable loops and improve the upkeep of their buildings.
The discussion also highlighted Frontier's focus on closing the digital divide by ensuring affordable internet access in underserved areas. Their base offering starts at $29.99 per month for 200 megabits of symmetrical service, making high-speed internet more accessible to a broader population.
As Frontier prepares to tackle the complexities of connecting multi-dwelling units, they are establishing a dedicated sales team to facilitate partnerships with property owners and homeowner associations. This strategic move aims to streamline the deployment of fiber connections in apartment buildings and other multi-family residences, which often present unique challenges compared to single-family homes.
Overall, the meeting underscored Frontier's commitment to enhancing internet infrastructure in Connecticut, with a focus on customer service and community engagement as they move forward with their ambitious fiber expansion plans.