Vermont communications union districts report rapid fiber buildout while flagging funding, affordability and workforce risks

Senate Finance Committee members heard on Jan. 29 from leaders of Vermont's communications union districts (CUDs) and the state broadband board about recent fiber buildouts, funding sources and remaining obstacles to universal service.

Speakers said the CUDs have accelerated fiber construction in the last two years and have used a mix of federal and state grants, ARPA and USDA awards, and public-private partnerships to move toward statewide coverage. They described the federal Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment program (BEAD) as a major near-term funding source, and urged continued state-level support for affordability and workforce programs.

Presenters told the committee why CUDs exist and how they operate. Ellie De Villiers, executive director of Maple Broadband and president and chair of the Vermont CUD Association, said CUDs are municipal entities that can borrow and use public funds to build infrastructure where private providers find service financially unviable. "We're building public infrastructure to public funds and we're able to look after the public interest," De Villiers said, describing the mission-driven structure that, she said, lets local boards prioritize district needs rather than shareholder returns.

Krista Shutes, executive director of NEK…