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Norton to review Ripple Fiber proposal to place high‑speed lines under town roads; presentation expected in July
Summary
The town manager told the select board that Ripple Fiber has proposed installing fiber-optic lines under Norton roads to offer high-speed internet competition; a company representative is expected to present in July and the DPW will evaluate road impacts.
The Norton Town Manager told the Select Board on June 4 that Ripple Fiber has proposed installing fiber-optic infrastructure under town roads to offer residents an additional high-speed internet option. The manager said the company has approached other municipalities and that the town is negotiating terms and will invite a company representative to present at a July meeting.
Town Manager said the proposal would not force residents to switch providers but would give them another choice and that the town would seek community and DPW input about underground construction, road impacts and local benefits. Board members expressed interest in whether the proposal could also be used to support local cable-access programming or other community media uses.
Select Board member Bob Kimble said he'd like to explore whether the company could partner with Norton to support a local cable-access channel or other municipal media opportunities, noting the town has long discussed broader options for local access. The Town Manager said he will bring Ripple Fiber back in July with a company representative and request a DPW assessment of the public‑works implications.
Next steps: a company representative is expected to appear before the board in July for detailed briefing; DPW director will be asked to review the engineering and road-impact implications before any agreement is finalized.
