Selectmen review Consolidated/CCI broadband contract; TM resends missing materials

Town Manager Billings reviewed a draft agreement with Consolidated Communications (CCI) to extend broadband service in Stonington and said the town had compared the contract to neighboring towns' agreements.

Selectman Travis Fifield said he had not received the contract; TM resent the document during the Zoom meeting and indicated company staff (Henry and Ian) were available to answer technical questions. TM also said CCI would act as a provider of last resort for phone and internet service to parts of the town that currently lack service.

The board discussed schedule and budget implications for extending internet service to remote areas such as Burnt Cove and North Stonington. TM said the project timeline and final contract terms were expected in the coming weeks and that officials hoped to begin work in the fall if permitting and contract details were complete.

No final contract was signed at the meeting; Selectmen instructed TM to coordinate with company staff to answer outstanding questions and circulate the updated contract for review before any board vote.