Ripple Fiber outlines plan to bring fiber internet to Avon; groundbreaking set for Feb. 11

Stephen Maher, Director of Government Affairs for Ripple Fiber, presented the company's plan to bring fiber Internet service to parts of Avon that are not currently served by Brightspeed. Maher said Ripple Fiber uses XGS‑PON technology and offers “symmetrical upload and download speeds, starting at 500 megabits per second for $65 per month,” with discounted options for lower‑income residents. He estimated the installation would take about three years and said the company prefers underground deployment to limit neighborhood disruption.

Council members asked how Ripple Fiber selects target areas and whether it will overbuild existing fiber. Maher said the company “does not typically overbuild existing fiber infrastructure” and intends to focus on underserved neighborhoods; he named Highland Park as an initial focus and noted a cabinet location planned on Long Road near Avon Middle School. He estimated initial potential subscribers at about 10,000 homes citywide, subject to adjustment after accounting for Brightspeed's coverage.

Maher described community engagement and operations plans: door hangers, mailers, neighborhood canvassing, a local office plus a North Carolina call center for support, and coordination with the Police Department for construction safety. He said Ripple Fiber will restore disturbed areas “to as‑is or better condition” and will mark sensitive fixtures at residents' request. City Engineer Ryan Cummins confirmed infrastructure maps and Brightspeed permit information have been shared with Ripple Fiber to aid coordination.