It’s a wrap! The multimillion-dollar fiber build out, led by the New York State ConnectALL Initiative, has been completed. The partnership between the State of New York, Tioga County, Town of Nichols, and the Southern Tier Network (STN) made this project possible.
The Town of Nichols was chosen by the State’s broadband department (ConnectALL) as one of four communities to roll out the Initiative with the expressed purpose of connecting fiber to the unserved and underserved population. Additionally, the County and Town dedicated American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds needed to complete the build out.
The total project cost was approximately $7.5 million and included the required power utility upgrades, fiber build and customer installations. Ben Rydzewski, STN Operations manager, stated, “Nichols residents now have access to 38 miles of fiber, passing by nearly 800 homes and businesses. To date, over 350 residents have taken advantage of the new infrastructure.”
Currently, the Internet Service Provider (ISP), FiberSpark, has partnered with STN to provide services on the Nichols Fiber Network. However, the open access model of STN allows for any ISP to connect to the fiber. STN is actively working to bring more ISPs on board, which will allow for a competitive environment thus driving more competitive pricing and options for residents and business owners to choose from.
STN Chief Executive Officer Jeff Gasper shared, “The project has provided the availability of directly connecting the residents, businesses, library, and County sites to the newly constructed fiber optic network.”
The public is invited to attend an “It’s a Wrap” pizza party on Wednesday, Jan. 24, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Nichols Fire Hall. Final project data will be shared as well as information on how Nichols residents may continue to sign up to receive fiber to the home.
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