More than 1,300 homes and businesses in the Grand Isle and Sherman areas of Aroostook County will gain access to Fidium’s multi-gig speeds through expansion.
Fidium, Maine’s best internet provider according to CNET, is expanding its all-fiber internet network in Aroostook County bringing symmetrical, multi-gig speed internet to 1,300 homes and businesses in Aroostook County, including in Sherman, Stacyville and parts of Benedicta Township, as well as Grand Isle. Fiber infrastructure construction is scheduled to begin as soon as Aug. 15, with exact start dates varying by location.
Fidium’s expansion will upgrade internet access for these communities, offering benefits that come with fiber broadband access, including improved educational outcomes, reduced healthcare costs and enhanced economic opportunities.
“Bringing Fidium to the Grand Isle and Sherman areas delivers turbocharged speeds and the latest, most reliable broadband technology to more communities in Aroostook County,” said Sarah Davis, vice president of Market Development for Fidium. “We appreciate the community’s patience as we build this new fiber infrastructure, which will connect residents and businesses to opportunities not previously accessible. Over the next several months, we will be working to expand our multi-gig speed all-fiber network and upgrade locations to access Fidium’s future-proof fiber service.”
Today more than 385,000 Maine homes and businesses have access to Fidium, including Fort Fairfield, Caribou and Madawaska. In 2024 a collaborative partnership between Fidium, the Greater East Grand Region Economic Council and the Sunrise County Economic Council resulted in more than 2,000 residents and businesses in 19 area communities being connected to reliable, high-speed fiber internet service. Community leaders celebrated fiber access at the Sunrise County Economic Council’s regional summit, during which speakers expressed how broadband provides a positive outlook for the future.
“Everyone is excited about the fiber expansion into our region,” said Dwayne Young, administrative assistant for the Town of Weston, Greater East Grand Economic Council Board member and chair of Broadband Taskforce. “This is a huge step forward for an area that likely wouldn’t have seen reliable, high-speed internet available to anyone that wants it, for years. The hard work by the rural communities involved and the stepping up of Fidium to make it happen is proof that regardless of where in Maine you are, there is light at the end of the internet superhighway.”
Fiber broadband is a future-proof technology that can be easily upgraded without rewiring the entire network. Fiber networks are moresustainable than other technologies with significantly lower power needs and reduced use of plastics. Fiber optic cables are not susceptible to corrosion or electrical interference making them more resilient to extreme weather conditions, including high winds, lightning strikes and floods. Fiber networks require less overall repair and maintenance and boasts up to 67 percent faster repair times than other wired technologies.
Fiber construction involves installing new fiber optic lines along roads and in public utility areas, which may require digging or climbing utility poles.
Crews will work along the edge of private property within public rights-of-way and utility easements. Construction may require temporary traffic detours, noise and dust. Paint markings and flags may be placed to designate active work zones and will be removed once work is complete. As fiber expansion progresses, safety protocols are at top-of-mind for crews, and motorists are asked to use caution when driving in construction zones. Crews will work quickly and safely, clean up after themselves and always strive to minimize disruption.
More information on the fiber build progress will be shared with local officials, as well as residents. Mailers, door hangers and construction alerts will be distributed to keep the public informed, and Fidium representatives will visit neighborhoods to share more about what to expect during construction, and how to sign up to be the first notified as soon as service is ready to install.
To learn more about the fiber internet construction process and sign up for updates on our progress, visit FidiumFiber.com. Residents with questions or concerns about fiber expansion or future service availability may contact 1-877-769-4771.