NEK Broadband
The Internet You Need ~ Built by Your Community
In the next week, the state operated Vermont Community Broadband Board (VCBB) is seeking public input to guide how they will allocate 150-250 million dollars for fiber-optic fast internet development in Vermont.
By next Tues, June 20, VCBB needs to hear your story of how you have coped with your internet situation and that you want fiber internet developed by non-profit Communications Union Districts (CUDs) like NEK Broadband, not corporations. That way, the infrastructure will be publicly owned (you have a “say” because our Board is made up of town Reps) and any “profits” will go to expanding the network and making it more affordable, not to shareholders. NEK Broadband is also the only entity committed to getting broadband access to every household in the NEK and Wolcott – not just to profitable customers.
Can we count on you to express your support for NEK Broadband – your CUD – by communicating to the VCBB? Please write a quick email (to ), make a quick call (802-622-4496) or attend an in-person or virtual listening session that VCBB is sponsoring before June 20th! Questions? Email us at
Here are some talking points:
Here are the options to give input into the process:
The purpose of this Request for Proposal (RFP) is to solicit proposals from qualified vendors to provide contracted IT support services for NEK Broadband. The goal of this project is to establish a reliable and responsive IT support system for our remote workforce, ensuring seamless business operations and employee productivity.
The purpose of this RFP is to compile a list of approved contractors that NEK Broadband can provide to customers who require underground work performed in order to complete their broadband installation. Approved vendors will be working directly with the customer for scheduling and billing.
This RFP shall be for a project or series of broadband network projects on behalf of NEK Broadband. Chosen provider will be supplying NEK Broadband with permitting services needed over the next 12 – 24 months with potential renewals.
Questions are due by 2/15/23
Intent to Respond is REQUIRED for this RFP, and is due by 2/15/23
Proposal Submission Deadline: Rolling to 3/1/23
Northeast Kingdom, Vermont–NEK Broadband announced two new hires today: Marc Hughes as the district’s Operations Project Manager, and Erik Townsend as the organization’s GIS Specialist and Project Manager.
NEK Broadband is a Communications Union District (CUD) that includes every town in the Northeast Kingdom of Vermont, plus Wolcott. A community non-profit, the organization is working to bring reliable high-speed broadband to the region, and is planning to offer service in portions of 90% of its member towns by the end of 2024. The foundation, or “backbone” of this fiber-optic network is currently being built.
“Both Marc and Erik bring a high level of expertise to NEK Broadband,” said Executive Director Christa Shute. “Their decades of experience and perspective will be invaluable to the organization as we work to accelerate our delivery of high-speed internet to our communities.”
Hughes spent nearly twenty-five years in Operations Management with Verizon Wireless and Unicel, serving states across the northeast. An Army veteran and former E-3 Senior Airman in the 282nd Combat Communications Squadron, his technical training comes courtesy of the US Air Force Ground Radio School, and he brings over three decades of telecommunications experience to the organization.
“I’m looking forward to bringing my skills to the NEK Broadband district,” said Hughes. “I’m excited to work on bringing broadband to the underserved in the region.”
Erik Townsend comes to NEK Broadband with 15 years of GIS experience in the Natural Resources and Forestry professions, earning a Geographic Information Systems Professional Certification in 2015. As a native of the Northeast Kingdom, he is excited to be part of an organization whose mission is to help serve the community where he’s spent most of his life. Prior to becoming an employee, Erik was the district’s board member representing the town of Westmore where he is also a Lister, E911 Coordinator, and Tree Warden.
“I’m proud to be part of an organization bringing high-speed internet to the area,” said Townsend. “Bridging the digital divide is key to thriving rural communities, schools, and businesses.”
Residents of the Northeast Kingdom and Wolcott are encouraged to complete the form at get.nekbroadband.org to pre-order internet service and receive updates.