UniTel Expanding its Fiber Network in Maine

UNITY, ME — UniTel, a local telcom provider, is expanding high speed Internet access throughout its rural service area. The company's most recent endeavor involves an 85-mile fiber to the home (FTTH) initiative. The build-out began early this year with plans of being operational in the towns of Newburgh, Dixmont, Knox, Thorndike and Troy by year-end. When complete, UniTel plans to offer several speeds with customized options up to 1 Gbps. According to UniTel's CEO Laurie Osgood, "Upon completion of the expansion, UniTel will operate one of the fastest fiber optic networks in Maine and the U.S."

UniTel's service area spans 280 square miles including all or portions of 16 rural communities in parts of three counties. Despite the rural nature of these areas, Internet access remains pivotal to residential life, business growth and non-profit operations. UniTel has made it their mission to provide affordable, dependable broadband service to enhance economic development. Additionally, they have partnered with the Unity Foundation to provide free digital literacy classes to encourage technological education and awareness. Since February 2015, over 200 classes with 1,800 hours of classroom instruction has been provided to over 400 residential and business community members from 25 towns.

UniTel was awarded a Smart Rural Community Trailblazer certificate by the the Rural Broadband Association (NTCA) in summer 2015 in recognition of its innovative work to bring high-speed broadband to the rural communities it serves.