TDS Telecom plans Maine fiber expansion

Dozens of Maine communities to get access to ‘gold standard’ internet

TDS Telecommunications LLC (TDS®) is gearing up for a big year in Maine.

TDS is announcing plans to bring its high-speed fiber internet network to a number of municipalities in the state, including more than two dozen communities in Somerset and Franklin counties.

Construction in Maine is expected to begin this year. The projects will deliver what’s known as the “gold standard” of internet connections to residents and businesses.. Featuring up to 2Gig internet download and upload speeds, the network represents a substantial upgrade over existing service. About 21,000 addresses will have access to the fiber network.

According to a Fiber Broadband Association report, only 43 percent of households in the United States have access to fiber, putting residents in these communities in a select group with such high-quality internet service.

“We’re excited to expand our fiber network in Maine and bring residents and businesses some of the fastest internet speeds in the world,” said Andrew Petersen, TDS Telecom Senior Vice President of Corporate Affairs. “From telework and remote learning to small business operations, the pandemic has shown how crucial a high-speed internet network is to a community. We’re looking forward to building an internet network that will serve Maine residents for many years to come.”

In addition to Hampden, which TDS previously announced, TDS is planning to bring its fiber network to these municipalities:

·         Athens

·         Avon

·         Brighton Plantation

·         Cambridge

·         Carrabassett Valley

·         Concord Township

·         Coplin Plantation

·         Embden

·         Eustis/Stratton

·         Freeman

·         Harmony

·         Hartland

·         Highland Plantation

·         Kingfield

·         Lexington Township

·         Madrid

·         Mercer

·         New Portland

·         New Vineyard

·         Norridgewock

·         North Anson

·         Palmyra

·         Phillips

·         Ripley

·         Rome

·         Salem

·         Smithfield

·         Solon

·         St. Albans

·         Strong

·         Warren

·         Weld

·         Wellington

·         West Gardiner

·         Wyman Township

In addition to high-speed internet, the network also includes TV and phone service. TDS’ TV product, TDS TV®+, offers local and national networks, integration with popular streaming services, the ability to start shows over, and cloud DVR. 10Gig dedicated connections will be available for businesses, as well as TDS’ hosted VoIP communications solution, and TDS TV+.

TDS has served Maine since 1971. In addition to private investment, TDS is leveraging Alternative Connect America funds to expand and improve broadband service to customers in Maine.