Maple Broadband reports new hubs are online, eyes BEAD grant to finish build

Maple Broadband reported to the Addison County Regional Planning Commission that construction under its Arbor grant produced new network hubs in Cornwall, Shoreham, Orwell and Lester and that those hubs — plus a central hub in Virgin — are activated and serving subscribers. The provider said it has nearly completed construction funded by that grant and plans to apply for a BEAD grant to finance remaining work, including two final hubs planned for Middlebury and Ripton.

The update, delivered by Steve, said the project has “gone through almost all of that grant money” but has tangible infrastructure to show for it, including recently completed activation in Lester. On subscriber counts, the provider reported “we’re so close to 500” customers and listed 487 active subscribers at the time of the meeting. To encourage sign-ups around the holidays, Maple Broadband announced a promotion: for any new subscription or an existing subscriber who upgrades service before year-end, the provider will donate $50 to the nearest food shelf.

The company cautioned that construction timing depends on successful BEAD funding and federal processes. Staff said hub siting is underway — Middlebury has given site approval and Ripton is close — but full build-out could be delayed until late in the next year because of BEAD application and federal administrative timelines.

The commission thanked Maple Broadband for the update and noted the company’s community-minded promotion. The provider suggested additional outreach and promotional steps to grow subscriptions and community support while awaiting BEAD outcomes.