Vermont FiberConnect: The Library Link Summit

In July 2010, the Vermont Telecommunications Authority and Sovernet Communications, in a public-private partnership, were awarded a federal stimulus grant of $33.3 million to build a fiber optic network to bring broadband to over 340 community anchor institutions in five Vermont counties. The project will bring 1 GB of fiber optic cable to 53 public libraries, providing these libraries the opportunity to access high-speed broadband with robust bandwidth. Sovernet will develop, own, maintain, and operate a 773 mile fiber optic middle mile network in southern, central, and northeastern Vermont. The other community anchor institutions include State of Vermont sites, public and private K-12 schools, colleges, telehealth sites, and public safety towers.