Frequently Asked Questions

Sep 23, 2020

Lamoille FiberNet FAQs

 

1.  What is Lamoille FiberNet Communications Union District?

A Communications Union District (CUD) is an organization of two or more towns that join together as a municipal entity to build communication infrastructure together.  “Lamoille FiberNet” is the name we chose for our CUD.

 

2. Why do we need a CUD?

Internet service providers (ISPs) prefer to serve densely populated areas for increased efficiency and higher profitability ‒ consequently, a rural state like Vermont has many underserved areas. Towns join CUDs to marshal their forces and present more attractive business opportunities to one or more ISPs.  In addition, as a member of a CUD, your town has a voice in the network design and the selection of ISP.

 

3. Will Lamoille FiberNet cause my taxes to increase?

No.  A CUD cannot accept funds derived from member town taxes.  As a municipal organization, each CUD must obtain funding via grants, gifts, or loans backed by revenues derived from the operation of the CUD or the CUD itself.  See 30 V.S.A. § 3056 for more detail.

 

4. How fast will the internet service be?

Lamoille FiberNet is just getting organized and we do not yet have a network design or internet service provider, so we cannot answer that yet.  Other CUDs in Vermont offer a range of service levels (internet speeds) so that service and price fit the customer’s requirements.

 

5. How is Lamoille FiberNet governed?

Lamoille FiberNet has a governing board made up of representatives from each member town.  The board makes decisions by vote in publicly warned meetings.  The Lamoille FiberNet representatives for each town are appointed by their town’s Select Board.

 

6. How can I sign up for internet broadband from Lamoille FiberNet?

Our buildout will happen in phases ‒ we will offer broadband in specific areas, gradually building into other areas. Please contact info@lamoillefiber.net for more information.

 

7. What are the different types of broadband internet?

The document explaining the different types of broadband internet is here.

 

Here are additional FAQ from the State of Vermont CUD FAQ page:

https://publicservice.vermont.gov/content/communications-union-districts-faq