Apply for Long Drop Assistance by 3/31
Bringing fiber internet to a home or business from the distribution network (e.g., the pole at the end of the driveway) is called a “drop,” and it can be expensive. The good news is that Lamoille FiberNet will pay for a broad range of long drops for future Fidium customers through its expanded Long Drop Program. This program is available in all 10 Lamoille County towns. Applications are due March 31, 2025.
A “long drop” requires more than 500’ of new underground or new aerial poles. Drops less than 500’ are installed by Fidium at no charge in the Lamoille FiberNet district. You can call Fidium at (877) 312-9617 to schedule an installation and order service. If they discover that your address is a “long drop,” your order will be cancelled, and you can then apply to Lamoille FiberNet’s funding program.
A number of property owners have already applied for the Lamoille FiberNet funding. “We are pleased to see so many early bird applications,” said Jeff Tilton, Chair of Lamoille FiberNet Communications Union District (CUD).
“We want folks to know that the funding eligibility is not income-based,” Tilton noted, “it is based on our grant funding restrictions, principally the address location and whether broadband is already available at the address. Lastly, only customers in the Lamoille FiberNet district who sign up for Fidium Fiber internet service can access this long drop funding.”
Applications are available at www.lamoillefiber.net or https://forms.office.com/g/z8bk3Kzxpp.
Applicants will be notified in March and April if their address qualifies and what to do next.
IMPORTANT: This program is administered by Lamoille FiberNet, NOT Fidium. Please do not call Fidium about long drop funding assistance — Fidium call center personnel do not have information about Lamoille FiberNet’s long drop program. They will not be able to help.
LAMOILLE FIBERNET MISSION:
To prioritize access of unserved and underserved addresses to symmetrical, high-speed, and affordable internet service — as soon as possible.
