Some residents of northern Temple will be without high-speed internet longer than expected.
Close to 90 percent of Temple residents already have access to high-speed internet from multiple providers. However, TDS Telecomm has not authorized the pole-licensing approvals in order to finish installing the fiber network in town.
Broadband Subcommittee Chair Jessica Hipp said the goal was to finish the installation by May, since Eversource signed its pole-rights approvals this spring. However, TDS would only pledge to sign its approvals by July 4.
“I was hoping TDS would make good on their word to sign by July 4, but they didn’t,” stated Hipp.
TDS spokesman Mark Schaaf stated several factors are preventing the company from signing the license agreements, including preparing the poles for installation. Schaaf also stated that TDS must provide quotes and receive payments to kickstart the construction project before signing and authorizing the pole licenses.
“It’s an ongoing process on which we continue to work with these entities as diligently and efficiently as possible,” stated Schaaf.
TDS Director of Government and Regulatory Affairs Joel Dohmeier stated the company is taking the necessary steps to ensure the paperwork is done right.
“To be clear, TDS cannot authorize pole-license approvals until all requirements are met by multiple other entities involved in this process. We continue to actively work with Eversource Energy, with whom we jointly own the poles, and Consolidated Communications to resolve issues with the party requesting attachment as soon as possible in order to authorize pole-license approvals,” stated Dohmeier.
While the pole-license approvals from TDS remain unsigned, more than 70 homes in the Temple community still don’t have access to broadband internet.
Nicole Elton, spokeswoman for broadband provider Consolidated Communications, stated preparation is the next priority to move forward in the installation.
“Consolidated is excited to offer multi-gig speed Fidium Fiber internet to all residents of Temple through our public-private partnership,” she stated. “We are currently working with partners to complete the pole work needed to finish our fiber build in Temple. Following the recent completion of the pole survey as required by the Public Utilities Commission, the next step is to ensure the poles are ready for fiber attachment. Currently 90 percent of the town has access to Fidium Fiber internet, and we are working diligently to bring reliable high-speed service to the remaining 75 or so homes in Temple.”
In June of 2021, the Town of Temple agreed to contribute $710,435 to the approximate $1.86 million fiber-optic broadband network project with Fidium. The Select Board approved of the 20-year bond from the New Hampshire Municipal Bond Bank to provide Temple residents access to broadband internet.
The town has already paid for 50 percent of total project’s cost to Fidium, Hipp said, and will not pay the remainder until the project is finished. Per the town’s agreement, Fidium is obligated to provide fast-internet services to Temple residents for 20 years once the project is done.
CCI’s anticipated rates for internet subscribers start at $49 per month.