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News

NEK Broadband Awarded Nearly $16M Construction Grant

June 8, 2022

Hardwick, Vermont –  NEK Broadband celebrates the announcement of a nearly $16M Construction Grant from the Act 71 Broadband Construction Program.  The Vermont Community Broadband Board (VCBB) reviewed—and unanimously voted— last month to approve NEK Broadband’s construction grant request of $15,899,089, making it the first Communications Union District (CUD) in Vermont awarded through this program. 

The funding will allow the CUD to construct 215 miles of network, connecting 1,479 households along the way, explained Governing Board Chair Evan Carlson. “This is a watershed moment for our CUD,” said Carlson. “We are thrilled to now have the funds in hand to get construction underway.”  Early construction will be concentrated in Concord, Kirby and Waterford, with additional miles expected in Brighton, Burke, East Haven, Lyndon, Newark, Sutton and Wheelock. 

NEK Broadband is the first of nine CUDs in the state to be awarded this funding. The group has already received $8.25 million to support material purchases and pre-construction on up to 2,800 miles of fiber optic cable-based internet for residents and businesses in the Northeast Kingdom and Wolcott.

“The grant application process was rigorous and included thorough vetting from CTC, an independent consultant contracted by VCBB,” said Carlson in an email to the governing board. “It speaks volumes to the work of our team, and also establishes a path for other CUDs in the state. I’m personally inspired to see the NEK leading the way.”  

Executive Director Christa Shute notes that this grant was based on NEK Broadband’s Universal Service Plan. The goal of that plan is to provide each on-grid underserved 911 address within the Kingdom access to high-speed internet connectivity. Shute underscores the significance of this $16M being the first of $104M in expected grant funds of an estimated $185M project.  Shute expressed gratitude for the volunteer time, effort, and involvement from NEK Broadband board members, as well as all towns in Orleans, Caledonia, and Essex counties and Wolcott.

Residents throughout the Northeast Kingdom and Wolcott are encouraged to indicate their interest in subscribing at https://get.nekbroadband.org.  On the website, potential subscribers will provide an address and contact information, and complete a brief survey. NEK Broadband will provide ongoing updates to all those who have registered as well as through local media outlets. 

Filed Under: News, Press Releases Tagged With: communications, infrastructure, telecommunications, vermont

RFP Posting: Fiber Construction (2022-13)

May 13, 2022

NEK Broadband requests for proposal: Fiber Construction (2022-13).

RFP: Fiber Construction (2022-13)
Q&A Part 1
Q&A Part 2
Final Q&A

Filed Under: News, Press Releases, RFPs

RFP Posting: Fiber Construction (NEK2022-12)

April 20, 2022

NEK Broadband seeks contractors for Fiber Construction (NEK2022-12) Intent to bid is due by April 25, bid due by May 3, 2022. Please submit to .

RFP: Fiber Construction (NEK2022-12)

Questions? Email us at .

Filed Under: News, Press Releases, RFPs

Job Posting: Grant Manager/ Bookkeeper

April 13, 2022

NEK Broadband is looking to fill the position of Grant Manager/ Bookkeeper

Grant Manager/ Bookkeeper Job Description

Filed Under: News, RFPs

RFP Posting: Calix Network Materials (April 2022)

April 7, 2022

The NEK Broadband CUD is posting an RFP for Calix Network Materials.

Overview:

The purpose of this RFP is to ascertain pricing and lead times for Calix Network materials to facilitate the immediate ordering of materials and licenses for NEK Broadband’s upcoming construction project. NEK
Broadband intends to purchase on an “as needed” basis from the competitively awarded contract stemming from this RFP up to the amount of the full project. The quantities in the attached bid sheet represent the first five OLT equipment cabinets out of a total of 21-23 cabinets for the entire project.

RFP: Calix Network Materials (April 2022)

Filed Under: News, RFPs

RFP Posting: Network Equipment (April 2022)

April 7, 2022

The NEK Broadband CUD is posting an RFP for Fiber Network Materials.

Overview:

The purpose of this RFP is to ascertain pricing and lead times for fiber network materials to facilitate the immediate ordering of materials and licenses for NEK Broadband’s upcoming construction project. NEK Broadband intends to purchase on an “as needed” basis from the competitively awarded contract stemming from this RFP up to the amount of the full project. The quantities in the attached bid sheet represent the first five OLT equipment cabinets out of a total of 21-23 cabinets for the entire project.

RFP: Network Equipment (April 2022)

Filed Under: News, RFPs

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Announcements

Request for Proposal: RFP NEK 2023-06

August 24, 2023

Fiber Distribution Construction Please contact us at  . for bid sheets, maps, etc. … read more about Request for Proposal: RFP NEK 2023-06

Express Your Support

June 15, 2023

In the next week, the state operated Vermont Community Broadband Board (VCBB) is seeking public input to guide how they … read more about Express Your Support

Request for Proposal: Contracted IT Support Services 

May 18, 2023

Contracted IT Support Services  The purpose of this Request for Proposal (RFP) is to solicit proposals from … read more about Request for Proposal: Contracted IT Support Services 

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P.O. Box 4012
St. Johnsbury, Vermont 05819

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Partial funding for development of this website made possible by a Rural Business Development Grant through the Northern Community Investment Corporation from USDA Rural Development.



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