With hometown bank's investment, downtown Machias will get broadband network
Two Machias businesses are teaming up to boost broadband service in the downtown.
Machias Savings Bank has partnered with Axiom, an internet service provider, to bring high-speed fiber internet to the downtown. Both are headquartered in downtown Machias.
The Machias Downtown Fiber Project will make fiber optic broadband internet connections available to over 50 businesses and 30 homes in the area, according to a news release. The new capacity will also serve the expanded Machias Savings headquarters, currently under construction at 31 Main St.
The project provide comparable service to that of the 3-Ring Binder fiber line, which has remained financially out of reach for most area businesses.
Homes and businesses within the network will be able to get fiber optic internet service at various prices starting at $69.99 a month. The town of Machias and Sunrise County Economic Council have already committed to the new network.
“We needed fiber connectivity in our new facility,” said Chris Lyford, Machias Savings COO. “This was going to cost the bank $60,000. As we started to lay out the plans, it became clear that in addition to the businesses that would be able to ‘coat-tail’ on our dedicated connection, there was a unique opportunity here, and with the addition of another $20,000 investment, we could actually make this available, and affordable to the majority of our downtown businesses and municipal buildings, including the library and the town office.”
Mark Ouellette, CEO of Axiom, said the project “will bring the kind of connectivity that only a handful of downtowns in the state currently have.”
The timing of COVID-19 has reinforced the need for rural communities like Machias to have access to reliable, fast Internet, said Larry Barker, CEO of Machias Savings.
“We recognize that for many businesses struggling with the economic impact of this pandemic, the upfront cost to connect to this fiber line could be a barrier to accessing the technology they desperately need. Along with our investment of $80,000 to fund fiber construction, we’re also donating $5,000 in grant funding to cover connection costs that will alleviate this potential financial burden for our businesses.”
This type of fiber technology parallels the internet service available in New York City, offering subscribers access to speeds of up to 1 gigabyte per second.
The technology provides for symmetrical service, meaning users have the same speed for both downloading and uploading, which better supports digital activities such as real-time video conferencing, telemedicine, entrepreneurial activities, and the ability to work or learn from home.
“Axiom and MSB have once again stepped forward at a time when this community is struggling to invest in a fiber network option that will improve and enhance many of our businesses’ infrastructure and back end capabilities,” Town Manager Christina Therrien said in the release.
Bill Kitchen, vice chair of the Machias Selectboard added, “As rich and instantaneous connectivity becomes increasingly critical for commerce, learning and social engagement, it’s imperative that our businesses and residents have every opportunity to remain competitive. Right now, we are reimagining how we do business and how we learn. This initiative puts us on a more even playing field with the rest of the state and country.”
Currently, the geographic area slated to make up the network runs roughly from the dike to Bad Little Falls, and in between the Machias River and Court Street. It will include the Chamber of Commerce/Station 1898, the library, the county offices and the town office, and can be expanded in the future.
Construction is expected to begin this month and businesses and homes will be able to connect this summer. Axiom said it will contact all addresses that will be able to connect in the coming weeks.
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