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NEK Broadband offers Groton two years of free fiber, board agrees to explore switch
Summary
NEK Broadband offered Groton two years of free fiber and phone service for municipal buildings under a USDA Community Connect grant; the select board voted to pursue the option and asked staff to verify phone/fax lines, installation logistics and contract timing.
Mike Geiss, Groton’s representative on the governing board of NEK CV (doing business as NEK Broadband), told the select board that a USDA Community Connect grant allows NEK Broadband to provide two years of free fiber internet and phone service to municipal facilities.
Geiss said the offer would cover the community building, the fire station, the highway department and the Groton Free Public Library with free installation and battery backups for phone service. "It's 2 years free at their 2 gig down, 2 gig up service, which is their highest end package," Geiss said. He presented a cost comparison and estimated the town could save roughly $5,500 in the first two years and about $10,000 over five years after market rates resume.
Board members asked technical and contractual questions, including whether any hidden fax lines or special numbers were omitted from the scope. Geiss said NEK had attempted to identify phone numbers but recommended confirming any remaining lines before switching service. The board noted that the library may need higher speeds than other municipal buildings and that speeds could be adjusted after the free period.
Selectboard speaker 1 moved that the board "continue exploration of switching to fiber" and the motion carried on a voice vote with the ayes prevailing. The board asked staff to verify details about existing phone lines and contract terms and to coordinate any necessary site assessments for cable routing.
The board also agreed to connect the local newspaper or planning commission with NEK representatives for coverage and follow-up. NEXT STEP: staff to confirm phone/fax inventory, scheduling for any on-site assessments, and the exact date the two-year free service would begin under the grant timetable.
