Community-based Broadband Providers Propose Merger to Expand Access to High-speed Internet

NEK Broadband and CVFiber announce a preliminary plan to join the two Communications Union Districts (CUDs). The proposed merger would unite resources, experience, expertise, and a shared commitment to deliver exceptional high-speed internet services to their collective 71 communities. Working together, they will be better able to support digital equity, economic growth, and community development across the Northeast Kingdom and Central Vermont. Working more collaboratively allows the CUDs to leverage infrastructure investments effectively, accelerate the deployment of proven and reliable technologies, and optimize operational efficiencies. This will significantly add to the ongoing capacity to fulfill the combined mission to ensure that every resident and business has access to reliable high-speed internet. Specifically, NEK Broadband and CVFiber propose to work together under the new business name, Northeast Central Broadband. The service plans, customer service, and pricing for both CVFiber and NEK Broadband areas will not change for the foreseeable future. Their respective financial, operations, and communications professionals will share skill sets. An additional benefit will be collaboration for grant applications that often benefit from a larger service area.