Building a brand new internet network involves small and large steps

NORTHEAST KINGDOM— Building a brand new internet network involves small and large steps. The latest NEK Broadband service expansion involves 100 miles and over 400 potential customers in Barnet, Peacham, Walden and Danville. Key parts of a fiber-optic cable network are the electronics cabinets that direct the signal from sender to intended recipient. The latest cabinet, also known as an OLT, has been set up at the fire department in Peacham. Crews continue to expand the network as cable is hung on utility poles along these initial routes. This Vermont-based organization’s mission is to ensure every address where there is electric utility service in Caledonia, Essex, and Orleans counties, plus Wolcott in Lamoille county, has access to at least one high-speed internet service. Although it is a process that will take years to complete, significant progress is being made. The effort parallels one hundred years ago when electricity was first brought to rural areas of Vermont.