County hears Fidium report: fiber build complete, 37,000 homes passed; gaps remain in remote areas

County staff gave an update on the Fidium broadband project, saying the company’s recent build is complete in the primary service area and that the project extended service to incidental towns along the route.

Staff said the upgrade reached an estimated 37,000 homes and emphasized the build is “fiber to the home as much as possible,” while acknowledging there remain camp roads and very rural locations that the fiber path did not reach. The county’s packet included a map showing coverage and staff offered to share a dynamic map link for commissioners to review.

Fidium has applied to the Maine Connectivity Authority for BEAD (Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment) funding to extend service to locations that remain unreachable by fiber, including potential satellite or cellular solutions in certain spots. Staff said details on the BEAD program’s scope remain in development because federal and state funding rules continue to evolve.

Commissioners asked whether off‑grid properties that install new electric service after the build would be eligible for BEAD support; staff characterized that as an “open question” dependent on BEAD eligibility rules and noted that Maine Connectivity Authority decisions will guide next steps.

The county will share future reports and maps as Fidium and the Maine Connectivity Authority refine outreach and funding to reach remaining gaps.