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Norwood Light: fiber 99% complete (aerial phase); video‑on‑demand to end Dec. 2
Summary
Norwood Light officials told the board the aerial phase of the town’s fiber‑to‑the‑premises project is about 99% complete, with 400 customers connected; staff said legacy cable will be phased out in fiber areas and the town’s video‑on‑demand system will be decommissioned on Dec. 2, with transition support offered to customers.
Norwood Light and Broadband staff told the Board of Selectmen on Nov. 18 that the aerial phase of the town’s fiber‑to‑the‑premises project is essentially complete, customer hookups are expanding and the utility will phase out parts of its legacy cable service.
Daryl Hansen, assistant superintendent in charge of broadband, said crews are about 99% finished with the aerial build and that the remaining work — mostly in apartment and condominium complexes — could take another 10 to 12 months. He said roughly 400 customers are already connected and that, as areas are completed, the utility will begin townwide marketing.
Hansen also told the board the town’s video‑on‑demand platform is end‑of‑life and will be shut down on Dec. 2. He said customers will be offered assistance and outreach, including training sessions at the library and senior center, and that notices will be sent 4–6 months ahead of any area shutdown. "The video on demand only is gonna end December 2 because we have to shut that system down," Hansen said.
On pricing, Hansen said current packages include 1‑gig service at $59.99 with autopay, a mid‑tier around $69.99, and a 3‑gig tier at $149.99 with autopay. Staff emphasized they will provide hands‑on customer help for residents who are unfamiliar with streaming services and recommended Internet‑capable devices such as smart TVs or streaming sticks.
On the electric side, Superintendent Kevin Shaughnessy reported that replacement of underground primary cables is pending cable delivery and expected to begin after the new year. The Pleasant Street conduit project (from Dean to Morse) is being prepared for bids and is scheduled to begin in 2026. Shaughnessy also said customer solar production and conservation programs are up compared with 2024.
The board asked staff to circulate the written report (some members said they did not receive it due to email issues) and to provide timelines for final hook‑ups in apartment complexes. Town staff said they will send the requested documents to board members.
What’s next: Norwood Light will continue phased customer onboarding, provide training and notices ahead of any cable shutdown, and return with more detailed timelines for remaining apartment hookups and underground‑cable replacement.
