Madison County Broadband Network Reaches Major Milestone
Article by the Daily Sentinel: Link to full article
SULLIVAN — Madison County officials, along with representatives of Empire Fiber Internet, gathered on Wednesday, Oct. 14, to mark a major milestone in their efforts to expand reliable, high-speed internet access as the first customers are now connected to the new publicly-owned, privately-operated fiber broadband network.
“This is an exciting day for Madison County,” said Madison County Administrator Mark Scimone. “For years, we have talked about the importance of bringing reliable high-speed internet to residents and businesses that have not had access to the service they need. Today, we can say that it is happening. Customers are connected, additional areas are ready for service, and we are nearing the completion of a project that will have a lasting impact on our community.”
The connection marks a significant step forward in a project that has been years in the making, officials said, adding that the announcement in the town of Sullivan comes almost exactly three years after the first hut that houses the network was placed in that exact same spot. Construction of the nearly 389-mile fiber network is now nearing completion, with additional locations expected to become serviceable as final construction and activation work continues.
Currently the network between the towns of Cazenovia, Sullivan, and Lenox is the first to be serviceable.
The network is being constructed by Madison County as a result of funds awarded through the USDA ReConnect Program and NYS ConnectALL. The service will be provided by Empire Fiber Internet. Once the buildout is complete, more than 3,600 homes, farms and businesses, many of which had little or no service, will have the opportunity to access reliable, high-speed fiber internet through the network, officials said.
The project began with Madison County’s award of a $10.1 million USDA ReConnect grant in 2021, which is now $12.7 million, to help bring high-speed, reliable internet to 1,087 homes and businesses that were unserved. Construction officially began in November 2023.
For many residents, the expansion will also mean having a new choice in internet providers.
“Empire Fiber Internet is proud to be part of this important milestone for Madison County,” said Kevin Dickens, CEO of Empire Fiber Internet. “This project represents what can happen when a community makes connectivity a priority and partners with an experienced fiber provider. We are excited to see customers getting connected and to continue activating additional areas as the buildout reaches completion.”
Reliable broadband is increasingly essential for nearly every aspect of modern life, including remote work, education, telehealth, agriculture, small business operations and everyday communication, officials said, adding that the County’s investment is intended to help ensure that residents and businesses are not left behind because of where they live or operate.
“This project is about much more than putting fiber in the ground,” Scimone said. “It is about opening doors. Reliable internet can help a student participate fully in their education, allow someone to work from home, help a farmer or small business operate more efficiently, and give families greater choices. I am proud of our team who have worked diligently and overcome obstacles to get us to this point. We are looking forward to seeing the benefits of this investment throughout Madison County for years to come.”
The $31 million Madison County Connect Project is funded and supported through the USDA Rural Development ReConnect Program, the New York State ConnectALL Municipal Infrastructure Program, Empire Fiber Internet and Madison County.
In addition to the funded areas, Empire Fiber Internet is also expanding service beyond the funded footprint. This includes addresses in Cazenovia, Chittenango and Canastota that fall along the county’s backbone, as well as select neighborhoods within those communities.
Construction and activation work will continue as the remaining portions of the network are completed. Residents and businesses are encouraged to check their address as service becomes available and to follow Madison County updates for information about additional service areas. Construction is expected to be completed by early 2027.
Madison County has been working with Empire Fiber Internet, the USDA, Syracuse Utilities, ECC Technologies, New York Engineering Services, and the New York State ConnectALL Municipal Infrastructure Program to build the network.