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Think Big Networks pitches full-fiber service to Chesapeake Beach; council hears construction, pricing and permitting details
Summary
Think Big Networks told the council it can build a fully buried fiber-to-the-premises network in Chesapeake Beach, offering synchronous speeds, buried conduit, and pricing starting at $65 per month if the town grants right-of-way access and coordinates permitting.
Chesapeake Beach — Think Big Networks made a formal presentation to the town council about bringing a buried fiber-optic network to Chesapeake Beach, pitching competition against the incumbent cable provider and outlining an 18-month, phased build if the town grants right-of-way access.
Think Big’s presenters — Mark Wagner, vice president of new markets and commercial services, and Craig Malong, vice president of operations — described a fully fiber-to-the-premises network with synchronous upload and download speeds, most plant buried, and a deployment approach that emphasizes community engagement, directional boring, and minimal above-ground equipment. Wagner said Think Big already operates in parts of Calvert County and is funded through a recent corporate transaction; he said the company can offer $65-per-month residential packages (250/250 Mbps), $75 for 500/500 Mbps and $85 for gig service, with no equipment rental fees and no long-term contract required.
What Think Big asked of the town: The company asked for access to town-controlled right-of-way, permit coordination and a communications cadence with town officials so contractors and staff can resolve issues during construction. Wagner said the firm had submitted a sample right-of-way agreement and would work with the town administrator and town attorney on contract terms.
Construction and neighborhood impacts: Craig Malong described an 18-month build in three phases with first-customer activation possible in six months after permits and right-of-way approvals. He said the firm prefers buried conduit and directional boring rather than open trenching, anticipates most plant will be underground and will use flush vaults rather than many above-ground pedestals. Think Big said it uses a mix of its own technicians and vetted contractors for boring and that it aims to minimize road closures; it also described community outreach plans including door-hanging, pop-up events and field representatives during work.
Pricing and features: Think Big said it offers a simple price matrix, no hidden modem or rental fees and a phone service option for about $25 monthly. The company said some customers can choose to use their own router; equipment that Think Big provides includes an optical network terminal (ONT) at the home and a router/app platform with parental controls.
Council questions and staff follow-up: Council members and staff asked about: (a) the firm’s experience getting state highway (SHA) permits for work on state roads (Think Big said they do SHA work regularly), (b) construction impacts in narrow historic neighborhoods and the company’s approach to small bore machines and short closures, (c) potential need for easements and permit fees, (d) levels of residential speed offerings beyond 1 Gbps (Think Big said higher tiers such as multi-gig are available on the vendor’s platform and could be offered), and (e) whether the service would include broadcast television channels (Think Big said it does not provide channel carriage; customers can access live-TV streaming options and the company partners with aggregators to offer streaming bundles).
No franchise requested: The town attorney asked whether Think Big expected a franchise agreement similar to cable companies; Think Big said it is not seeking a franchise and that because it is not bundling linear broadcast content governed by the Cable Act, it is offering right-of-way access rather than an exclusive franchise. The council clarified there would be no town exclusivity and that Comcast would remain an option for residents if the town approves Think Big’s right-of-way access.
Next steps: Think Big said it has submitted a sample right-of-way agreement and asked the town to identify its preferred process and points of contact. The firm said financing is in place through an affiliate (IQ Fiber / SDC Capital) and that it can begin design once the town and company agree on right-of-way terms and permit workflows.
Provenance: The presentation ran during the council meeting’s special agenda items; the transcript includes the company presentation, Q&A on costs, construction and permitting and closing remarks where the company said it would follow up with town staff.
