Vermont Department of Public Service

Vermont Community Broadband Board Announces New Member

Vermont Community Broadband Board (VCBB) is pleased to welcome Sarah Hofmann as a new Board Member. Ms. Hofmann was appointed to fill the vacancy resulting from the October resignation of former VCBB Board Member Holly Groschner. Ms. Hofmann was appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rep. Jill Krowinski, to fill a three-year term from February 2024 to February 2027. Ms. Hofmann served on the Vermont Public Utility Commission from 2015 to 2021. . Ms. Hofmann is a graduate of Rollins College and the University of New Hampshire School of Law.

Vermont Public Service Department Encourages Vermonters to Participate in the 2024 Mobile Wireless Drive Test Public Input Survey

The Public Service Department (PSD) announces the 2024 Mobile Wireless Drive Test: Public Input Survey. This survey allows Vermonters to highlight areas they know where Mobile Wireless Coverage is limited or unavailable, as they are the people who live, work, and drive in these areas every day. The survey includes the ability to enter a specific address or highlight a roadway with limited or unavailable service. The data collected from this survey will assist the Department in mapping the route for the upcoming 2024 Mobile Wireless Drive Test.

Vermont Community Broadband Board Announces New Fiber Optic Apprenticeship Program

Vermont Community Broadband Board (VCBB) is proud to announce the start of a new Fiber Optic Apprenticeship Program in Vermont. The program puts participants to work right away, allowing them to learn on the job and earn a paycheck from the start. The Fiber Optic Apprenticeship Program is part of the Telecommunications Industry Registered Apprenticeship Program (TIRAP), a Department of Labor-registered apprenticeship program. VCBB is partnering with Wireless Infrastructure Association (WIA), TIRAP’s national sponsor, to bring the program to Vermont.

Vermont Community Broadband Board to Launch Program to Help Vermonters Overcome Barriers Connecting to Broadband

The buildout of broadband is well underway in Vermont, with eight out of the state’s ten Communications Union Districts (CUDs) currently connecting customers. But for Vermonters who live more than 400 feet from the fiber line along the road, that connection can come at a cost that’s unaffordable.

Vermont Community Broadband Board Awards $20.2 Million Construction Grant to CUD Northwest Fiberworx

Vermont Community Broadband Board has awarded a $20.2 million construction grant to Communications Union District (CUD) Northwest Fiberworx. The grant was awarded at VCBB’s May meeting and comes from the Broadband Construction Program, a State of Vermont grant funded with American Rescue Plan Act dollars.

Vermont Community Broadband Board Invites Proposals for New Program to Aid Entities Applying for BEAD Program

Vermont Community Broadband Board (VCBB) invites proposals from eligible internet service providers to take part in the new Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Subrecipient Support Program, which provides funds to promote the ability of various entities to participate in the BEAD Program. The program provides needs-based grants to assist in preparing a BEAD application. Awards range from $10,000-$200,000 to be used for planning, analysis, stakeholder engagement, collaboration, and short-term capacity necessary to plan and draft an application to the BEAD program.

Vermont Seeks Input on the Telecommunications Facility Siting Process in Vermont

The Vermont Department of Public Service is seeking input from the public regarding the telecommunications facilities siting process (as established under 30 V.S.A. §248a). The goal is to conduct a study that ensures that the siting process is done in a manner that is transparent, fair, and responsive to the needs of the community, while also considering the development and expansion of telecommunications infrastructure in the state.

Vermont Department of Public Service Announces Statewide Drive Test of Mobile Wireless Coverage

The Vermont Department of Public Service (PSD) released the results of a drive test, conducted in conjunction with the Agency of Transportation (AOT), to determine mobile wireless coverage throughout the state. “Identifying areas that lack service is a critical step toward the expansion and improvement of mobile wireless service around the state, and we are glad to have contributed to that effort,” said Transportation Secretary Joe Flynn.