Work on fiber-optic network for Brooks and Waldo set to begin in 2024

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UNITY — Work will move forward in 2024 to bring high-speed broadband service to the towns of Brooks and Waldo, according to an announcement from Direct Communications (formerly UniTel).

Earlier this year, Direct Communications and the towns of Brooks and Waldo received a Connect the Ready grant from the Maine Connectivity Authority to be used to facilitate construction of high-speed broadband service in the two towns.

This project will bring Fiber-to-the-Premise (“FTTP”) broadband to 837 homes and businesses in these unserved areas. Direct Communications' fiber-optic network will be capable of delivering symmetrical service of 1 gigabyte, scalable to multi-gig in the future.

As the first step in the construction process, Direct Communications will need to secure easements and permits, as well as engineer the project, according to the announcement. Since these steps usually take several months to complete, Direct Communications does not expect to begin construction until 2024.

Cost of a 100Mbps x 100Mbps package from Direct Communications starts at $39.99, and the company participates in the Affordable Connectivity Program, which provides eligible households with a monthly discount of up to $30.

The company also will offer its “Upgrade your school program” to residents in Brooks and Waldo. This program gives subscribers to Direct Communications fiber service the opportunity to donate their first month’s payment to the local school of their choice. More than $300,000 has been given to rural schools since the program's inception in 2019.

For updates on the progress of this project, follow Direct Communications on Facebook at Direct Communications - Maine. To place a preorder and get on the construction list, input your address at directcom.com.