DO YOU USE THE TERM WIFI (or Wi-Fi)? - Do you know what it means?
"Wi-Fi is a wireless networking technology that allows devices such as computers (laptops and desktops), mobile devices (smart phones and wearables), and other equipment (printers and video cameras) to interface with the Internet." WIFI is also used to connect devices like "Bluetooth." WIFI is provided in new cars allowing you to connect to the vehicle - not the Internet. You are connecting to the car's systems via WIFI
1. WIFI is not Spectrum, DSL, Satellite, Fiber or any other technology that brings you the Internet. It is a technology of its own, not unique to a provider.
2. WIFI is wireless only, just like Bluetooth technology.
"Wi-Fi is a wireless networking technology that allows devices such as computers (laptops and desktops), mobile devices (smart phones and wearables), and other equipment (printers and video cameras) to interface with the Internet." WIFI is also used to connect devices like "Bluetooth." WIFI is provided in new cars allowing you to connect to the vehicle - not the Internet. You are connecting to the car's systems via WIFI
1. WIFI is not Spectrum, DSL, Satellite, Fiber or any other technology that brings you the Internet. It is a technology of its own, not unique to a provider.
2. WIFI is wireless only, just like Bluetooth technology.
WHAT'S HAPPENING
How did we get here? Listen to: Maine Broadband Coalition Initiatives Across Maine
IMPORTANT:
Do you live in Blue Hill, Brooklin, Brooksville, Castine, Deer Isle, Penobscot, Sedgwick or Stonington? This does not apply to Surry or Orland - yet.
1. DSL is going away 2 February 2025.
a. Fidium is the direct replacement - with more capability, reliability, and at a lower cost. Sign up for it online now.
2. Traditional Phone (Copper) lines are is going away in the same TOWN AREAS noted as of 4 March 2025.
a. Those who have stuck with Spectrum's internet (less capable & reliable than fiber) can use their internet access for VOIP
b. Those with Fidium can use their internet for VOIP
c. Those with only "traditional" copper phone lines will need to get FIDIUM and VOIP. It's less expensive than CCI’s normal phone lines!
d. VOIP is available from several vendors and I (Butler) personally recommend Vonage at $10/month. You can access any capabilities it provides from a computer or like device to change passwords, read voice messages, forward calls, etc.
e. If you don't have a generator for your property an inexpensive battery backup will ensure you have power for your VOIP/Internet access. Fidium has details online.
GENERAL INFO.
1. The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) is no longer! Congress failed support it.
2. Fidium Fiber has been available to all residents of the Blue Hill Peninsula, including Deer Isle, Stonington & now Surry, since March 2023.
3. Fidium will replace Consolidated's DSL. If you still use DirectTV (Satellite), Starlink/Viasat, Spectrum, DSL, or cellular hotspots of any kind, they are no match for Fidium's Cost, Reliability and Performance! See www.fidiumfiber.com.
IMPORTANT
1. Do you have a home "business" using a CCI Business Account? Change it to a Home Account and sign up for Fidium@Home!
Why? There is an immediate cost savings using Fidium@Home vs. Fidium@Work or CCI's Fiber Connect (those that have a business acct.).
2. Are you a home user of Consolidated's Business Fiber? See 1. above and change to Fidium now!
Why? Consolidated’s official policy is to waive early termination fees for any Consolidated Business Fiber customer converting to Fidium Residential Internet service. It's FAR CHEAPER TOO!
Further Clarification:
1. Fidium is not the same service as Consolidated Fiber Connect. The latter is intended for Business Customers Only - not the work at home kind.
a. Have a Consolidated Business Account at work or at your home? You get Consolidated Fiber Connect.
b. Have a Consolidated Home Account with copper phone line or DSL on your home account (even if used for work) you get Fidium@Home.
c. Have any other service at "work" for your Business you get Fidium@Work.
d. Setting your home business up on a Business Account is NOT cost effective for tax purposes!
2. Fidium is available NOW and ordering it ONLINE is the fastest & easiest! FOOT STOMP!
a. Even if you're unsure, GET IT! It's FREE for the 1st month! Get it and decide. Questions - call us!
3. Don't transition to VOIP until your Fiber Installation is complete.
a. You may lose phone/DSL if installation is delayed and the phone transfer is initiated.
Both operate on copper phone lines. Keep DSL or other service until the Fiber is up and running - then change.
b. If you have CCI for Phone and DSL, only cancel DSL if you're keeping your phone line.
4. Consolidated Fiber Connect does not have the same benefits as Fidium@home or @work. There is no available app and no free extenders, etc.
IMPORTANT:
Do you live in Blue Hill, Brooklin, Brooksville, Castine, Deer Isle, Penobscot, Sedgwick or Stonington? This does not apply to Surry or Orland - yet.
1. DSL is going away 2 February 2025.
a. Fidium is the direct replacement - with more capability, reliability, and at a lower cost. Sign up for it online now.
2. Traditional Phone (Copper) lines are is going away in the same TOWN AREAS noted as of 4 March 2025.
a. Those who have stuck with Spectrum's internet (less capable & reliable than fiber) can use their internet access for VOIP
b. Those with Fidium can use their internet for VOIP
c. Those with only "traditional" copper phone lines will need to get FIDIUM and VOIP. It's less expensive than CCI’s normal phone lines!
d. VOIP is available from several vendors and I (Butler) personally recommend Vonage at $10/month. You can access any capabilities it provides from a computer or like device to change passwords, read voice messages, forward calls, etc.
e. If you don't have a generator for your property an inexpensive battery backup will ensure you have power for your VOIP/Internet access. Fidium has details online.
GENERAL INFO.
1. The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) is no longer! Congress failed support it.
2. Fidium Fiber has been available to all residents of the Blue Hill Peninsula, including Deer Isle, Stonington & now Surry, since March 2023.
3. Fidium will replace Consolidated's DSL. If you still use DirectTV (Satellite), Starlink/Viasat, Spectrum, DSL, or cellular hotspots of any kind, they are no match for Fidium's Cost, Reliability and Performance! See www.fidiumfiber.com.
IMPORTANT
1. Do you have a home "business" using a CCI Business Account? Change it to a Home Account and sign up for Fidium@Home!
Why? There is an immediate cost savings using Fidium@Home vs. Fidium@Work or CCI's Fiber Connect (those that have a business acct.).
2. Are you a home user of Consolidated's Business Fiber? See 1. above and change to Fidium now!
Why? Consolidated’s official policy is to waive early termination fees for any Consolidated Business Fiber customer converting to Fidium Residential Internet service. It's FAR CHEAPER TOO!
Further Clarification:
1. Fidium is not the same service as Consolidated Fiber Connect. The latter is intended for Business Customers Only - not the work at home kind.
a. Have a Consolidated Business Account at work or at your home? You get Consolidated Fiber Connect.
b. Have a Consolidated Home Account with copper phone line or DSL on your home account (even if used for work) you get Fidium@Home.
c. Have any other service at "work" for your Business you get Fidium@Work.
d. Setting your home business up on a Business Account is NOT cost effective for tax purposes!
2. Fidium is available NOW and ordering it ONLINE is the fastest & easiest! FOOT STOMP!
a. Even if you're unsure, GET IT! It's FREE for the 1st month! Get it and decide. Questions - call us!
3. Don't transition to VOIP until your Fiber Installation is complete.
a. You may lose phone/DSL if installation is delayed and the phone transfer is initiated.
Both operate on copper phone lines. Keep DSL or other service until the Fiber is up and running - then change.
b. If you have CCI for Phone and DSL, only cancel DSL if you're keeping your phone line.
4. Consolidated Fiber Connect does not have the same benefits as Fidium@home or @work. There is no available app and no free extenders, etc.
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Speed/Capacity tests
are not equal! |
Test of ONT - attune App
Optical Network Terminal (ONT) |
Test of WIFI - attune App
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1. Test capacity/speed via an ethernet cable (to your computer) to provide a reading of the incoming service to the Premise. Using WIFI does NOT! Even Better! Use Fidium's "Attune" App on your smartphone which can test WIFI and the incoming performance (avail. if part of your subscription.
2. Endure the old service is not active or connected by removing power to it! Examples shown are: 1. ONT (Optical Network Terminal) Test 2. WIFI test from ~10ft 3. Actual ONT performance is shown below it. |
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SUPPORTING DIGITAL EQUITY (DE)
Supporting the development or employment of better Internet in a community goes hand in hand with Digital Equity (DE) and is one of its key elements. The Blue Hill Peninsula area group, referenced as The PUB, has a new domain name - www.pubfiber.org.
Our Mission Statement (since forming in 2018) states:
“The Peninsula Utility for Broadband (PUB) advocates for fast, flexible, affordable and reliable internet to incentivize business, support schools, advance the quality of healthcare, connect homes and facilitate long term education and socialization of our rural communities.”
Fidium Fiber became a reality for everyone who wants it in our area in March 2023, and our efforts will continue to ensure everyone knows just that, and why getting fiber makes sense over any other Internet service medium (Cable, Satellite, DSL, Hotspot…). Because of the Fidium Fiber price structure, it’s also critically important to improve the awareness and use of the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), raise the awareness of technology (i.e., Internet use and tools) through training opportunities, and the general benefits that access to the Internet brings for Education, Health Care, Connectivity with others and the other valuable benefits (i.e., Streaming and Phone) which are money saving and effective tools for everyone with good Internet access. Fiber is the gold standard and is used by every service – from satellites to cell phones. Fidium Fiber is the provider that brings it to your house! Not sure if you want to use it, you can try it for a month for free.
Question. Should I keep Starlink to get my money out of it?
Absolutely NOT! You'll pay for your Starlink equipment cost in less than 6 mo. switching to Fidium & Starlink was NEVER intended to replace fiber.
Example Fidium: ~$25/mo. 100/100Mbps (1,000/1000 starts at $50/mo) with FREE Installation.
Starlink: $100-120/mo. ~150/20Mbps: Equipment & Installation: $600+
Question. Should I wait a year to find out if fiber works? It's already
Why would you do that? It's been here in the Peninsula area since 2022!
Fiber is as proven technology and the supporting technology for everything (everything!) you use, from Cell Phones, Satellite TV, Spectrum's CATV, STARLINK, etc. Starlink- uses and/or depends on fiber. Everything! Parts of Stonington got Fidium in early '22 and everyone else on the Peninsula starting March '23. It works!
Supporting the development or employment of better Internet in a community goes hand in hand with Digital Equity (DE) and is one of its key elements. The Blue Hill Peninsula area group, referenced as The PUB, has a new domain name - www.pubfiber.org.
Our Mission Statement (since forming in 2018) states:
“The Peninsula Utility for Broadband (PUB) advocates for fast, flexible, affordable and reliable internet to incentivize business, support schools, advance the quality of healthcare, connect homes and facilitate long term education and socialization of our rural communities.”
Fidium Fiber became a reality for everyone who wants it in our area in March 2023, and our efforts will continue to ensure everyone knows just that, and why getting fiber makes sense over any other Internet service medium (Cable, Satellite, DSL, Hotspot…). Because of the Fidium Fiber price structure, it’s also critically important to improve the awareness and use of the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), raise the awareness of technology (i.e., Internet use and tools) through training opportunities, and the general benefits that access to the Internet brings for Education, Health Care, Connectivity with others and the other valuable benefits (i.e., Streaming and Phone) which are money saving and effective tools for everyone with good Internet access. Fiber is the gold standard and is used by every service – from satellites to cell phones. Fidium Fiber is the provider that brings it to your house! Not sure if you want to use it, you can try it for a month for free.
Question. Should I keep Starlink to get my money out of it?
Absolutely NOT! You'll pay for your Starlink equipment cost in less than 6 mo. switching to Fidium & Starlink was NEVER intended to replace fiber.
Example Fidium: ~$25/mo. 100/100Mbps (1,000/1000 starts at $50/mo) with FREE Installation.
Starlink: $100-120/mo. ~150/20Mbps: Equipment & Installation: $600+
Question. Should I wait a year to find out if fiber works? It's already
Why would you do that? It's been here in the Peninsula area since 2022!
Fiber is as proven technology and the supporting technology for everything (everything!) you use, from Cell Phones, Satellite TV, Spectrum's CATV, STARLINK, etc. Starlink- uses and/or depends on fiber. Everything! Parts of Stonington got Fidium in early '22 and everyone else on the Peninsula starting March '23. It works!
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What is conduit? - It varies but...
Micro conduit Fidium uses (see pic) as needed, from the last pole to the premise, is buried in a "slit trench. ” The orange casing has a copper tracing wire and a pull tape. Tracing wire? https://www.kristechwire.com/what-is-tracer-wire/ 1. If an existing conduit is broken or blocked, it is your responsibility to clear/fix the path CCI/Fidium will generally follow. Once addressed, they can finish the job. 2. Micro conduit is used for locations where previous lines are buried with no conduit or where no service existed. They'll install up to 500ft at no cost. Some locations are not suitable for conduit (i.e., woods, ledge, etc.) - you may have to provide your own. A flexible conduit on top of the ground is OK and inexpensive. 3. Locations with buried conduit with no pull tape makes the work more difficult. |
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Fidium Fiber Connection for the "last pole" to the house
When an installation is scheduled, installers will complete exterior tasks before the date you receive. If tasks are not completed, the interior connection date may slide.
Tasks may include:
1. Fiber down a road/long driveway to the last pole. Resident does not need to be there. No Cost and no distance limit.
2. Fiber in a new/existing conduit to the house - ready for install date (or from the last pole to the house exterior). Resident does not need to be there.
No Cost up to 500ft.
a. They'll return and bury conduit/fiber cable if laid on the ground due to weather related or other issues if they are able to do so. Conduit laid over ledges, tree roots, etc. can not be buried.
3. Scheduled Install date. Resident needs to be there for interior work. No Cost.
4. If there is no clear communication path and conduit is needed, it may have to be installed under/over the ground.
Monthly Pricing is shown on Q&A Page. Fidium will have the latest.
For process info: https://www.fidiumfiber.com/Support/getting-started/getting-ready-for-your-installation
When an installation is scheduled, installers will complete exterior tasks before the date you receive. If tasks are not completed, the interior connection date may slide.
Tasks may include:
1. Fiber down a road/long driveway to the last pole. Resident does not need to be there. No Cost and no distance limit.
2. Fiber in a new/existing conduit to the house - ready for install date (or from the last pole to the house exterior). Resident does not need to be there.
No Cost up to 500ft.
a. They'll return and bury conduit/fiber cable if laid on the ground due to weather related or other issues if they are able to do so. Conduit laid over ledges, tree roots, etc. can not be buried.
3. Scheduled Install date. Resident needs to be there for interior work. No Cost.
4. If there is no clear communication path and conduit is needed, it may have to be installed under/over the ground.
Monthly Pricing is shown on Q&A Page. Fidium will have the latest.
For process info: https://www.fidiumfiber.com/Support/getting-started/getting-ready-for-your-installation
The Award Summary - Peninsula Beneficiaries: Blue Hill, Brooklin, Brooksville, Castine, Deer Isle, Penobscot, Sedgwick and Stonington (See press release)
National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) AWARD
ConnectMaine is awarded funds from the NTIA to help provide Fiber to the Premise (FTTP) for the Blue Hill Peninsula. The combination of funding from NTIA, CCI’s prior FCC RDOF award, and CCI's own financial contribution, makes this possible. ConnectMaine submitted an application on August 17th for part of the NTIA funds set aside for Broadband ($288 Million). The application process occurred concurrently with the 4-Town RFP process and ConnectMaine chose CCI (www.fidiumfiber.com) as the Internet Service Provider (ISP) for area. The award was announced February 25th 2022 and requires no funding from the communities it will serve. It technically meets and geographically exceeds the 4-Town Joint Report's goals. Only 13 applications of 230 received were awarded.
Blue Hill, Brooksville, Deer Isle and Penobscot (The Towns) released a Request for Proposal (RFP) on July 9th 2021, receiving proposals from six (6) Respondents. The 4-Town Joint Status Report and Process Review was released January 7th.
The RFP and Joint Status Report outline the following baseline for service:
National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) AWARD
ConnectMaine is awarded funds from the NTIA to help provide Fiber to the Premise (FTTP) for the Blue Hill Peninsula. The combination of funding from NTIA, CCI’s prior FCC RDOF award, and CCI's own financial contribution, makes this possible. ConnectMaine submitted an application on August 17th for part of the NTIA funds set aside for Broadband ($288 Million). The application process occurred concurrently with the 4-Town RFP process and ConnectMaine chose CCI (www.fidiumfiber.com) as the Internet Service Provider (ISP) for area. The award was announced February 25th 2022 and requires no funding from the communities it will serve. It technically meets and geographically exceeds the 4-Town Joint Report's goals. Only 13 applications of 230 received were awarded.
Blue Hill, Brooksville, Deer Isle and Penobscot (The Towns) released a Request for Proposal (RFP) on July 9th 2021, receiving proposals from six (6) Respondents. The 4-Town Joint Status Report and Process Review was released January 7th.
The RFP and Joint Status Report outline the following baseline for service:
- Full Fiber Optic Network: Fiber to the Premise (FTTP)
- Ubiquitous: Available to any location currently served by grid-connected electricity and/or wireline telephone
- Available capacity of 1000 Mbps (1 Gbps) Upload and Download [equivalency] or greater
- Symmetrical service (i.e., 100Mbps/100Mbps)
- No data caps and no throttling of data
- Aerial (or existing available conduit) installation standard with minimal start-up/connection costs; reasonable connections and underground requirements identified and addressed as applicable
| State of Maine-Statewide Broadband Action Plan 2020.pdf |