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Falmouth seeks 100% fiber coverage as three ISPs show interest; permitting is an early hurdle
Summary
The Municipal Light Board is working with three Internet service providers to expand fiber coverage in Falmouth, where officials estimate about 15% of residents lack high‑speed fiber; town staff are coordinating permitting with Public Works and weighing overhead vs. underground installation models.
Town Manager Mike Renshaw updated viewers on ongoing Municipal Light Board efforts to attract Internet service providers to extend fiber across Falmouth.
Renshaw said three ISPs have expressed interest and that the board’s goals are twofold: increased competition to improve rates and, importantly, pursuit of 100% high‑speed coverage to serve pockets of the town currently without service. "...there's pockets, and I think that equates to about 15% of the population that doesn't have that high speed, fiber Internet service," Renshaw said.
He said ISPs are in conversations with the Department of Public Works to learn permitting timelines and requirements and are weighing different deployment models, including overhead lines and underground trenching. Renshaw emphasized the town’s role is largely limited to administrative permitting for street openings and that federal rules limit the town’s ability to choose a preferred ISP or enter exclusive franchises.
Moscally and Renshaw thanked the Municipal Light Board for its work and said they will continue to coordinate with Public Works while monitoring ISP proposals and permitting schedules.
