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Maine Begins Construction Of Massive Fiber Network
$32 million and 1,100 miles of dark fiber
Local Bangor, Maine NBC affiliate WLBZ2 notes that Maine has begun construction of their "Three Ring Binder" fiber optic network. Using a combination of $25 million in federal stimulus funding and $7.5 million in private investment, the state is building a 1,100 mile fiber optic network to make it easier to connect rural portions of Maine to broadband. The project, which is to be owned and operated by a private operation named Maine Fiber Company, who'll sell wholesale access to local ISPs. The project had to fight off efforts from local bankrupt incumbent Fairpoint Communications, who obviously didn't want the network disrupting their comfortable position as the region's somewhat dysfunctional mono/duopolist.
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rob316
join:2005-10-17
Carteret, NJ

rob316

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LOL

FairPoint haha, hopefully this starts the trend of private companies expanding fiber to not only rural but populated areas as well. It may be a little harder for these companies to fight the likes of Comcast and Verzion since these companies have their puppets lined up in Washington and the local governemnts, with a lot of cash to float their way.

ARGONAUT
Have a nice day.
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join:2006-01-24
New Albany, IN

ARGONAUT

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Re: LOL

Maine gets fiber in their diet. Now the data can flow freely.
stanleycr1
join:2008-12-02
Ivor, VA

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stanleycr1

Member

Way to go!


Way to go Maine!

FastiBook
join:2003-01-08
Newtown, PA

FastiBook

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Epic...

Bout time.

- A

ArrayList
DevOps
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join:2005-03-19
Mullica Hill, NJ

ArrayList

Premium Member

map

has anyone seen a map of the areas that are going to be served by this?
BigVe
join:2005-07-15
Gulliver, MI

BigVe

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Re: map

said by ArrayList:

has anyone seen a map of the areas that are going to be served by this?
»www.mainefiberco.com/

JLevinworth
@embarqhsd.net

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to ArrayList
/r0/download/1527773~20e8476e4c6bf92f521c4db8fb9aae3a/fiber_map.jpg/thumb200.jpg

battleop
join:2005-09-28
00000

battleop

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Re: map

If that's the route map then it's not going to directly help end users. It's no secret that I am not a fan of government owned fiber projects that directly compete with ISPs on the local level. This type of project is how it should be done. This project can help bring cheap bandwidth closer to the end user at a cheaper price. Local ISPs and WISPs can then it up and deliver it to the end user.

JLevinworth
@embarqhsd.net

JLevinworth

Anon

Re: map

said by battleop:

If that's the route map then it's not going to directly help end users. It's no secret that I am not a fan of government owned fiber projects that directly compete with ISPs on the local level. This type of project is how it should be done. This project can help bring cheap bandwidth closer to the end user at a cheaper price. Local ISPs and WISPs can then it up and deliver it to the end user.
It is going to help end-users (residential, business & institutional), because it's creating them.
said by »www.wlbz2.com/news/local ··· &catid=3 :
The Binder is designed to bring high speed, high capacity broadband service to areas of the state where it is unavailable, unreliable or prohibitively expensive.

The system will not connect directly to the customers. Instead, this "middle mile" service will allow local internet service providers to connect to the new binder cable, which will give them access to high speed broadband at a low cost.

ISP's are required to pass those savings on to the customer.

Supporters of the plan say it will bring people and institutions in Maine closer to each other, and closer to the rest of the world. They predict it will be a major help to businesses, and will help grow more businesses and jobs in Maine.
I personally work with a multi-location business in Maine and can tell you how ridiculously prohibitive connectivity is there. This company's growth plans have been centered around IF connectivity is even available. IF you are in one of the few areas that can even get broadband, it's Fairpoint DSL (or a small ISP that connects to Fairpoint). You're considered even more lucky if they'll sell you 3M down, but you'll end up getting unreliable crappy service at 1.5M at best. This business has stopped expanding in Maine, and instead moved to neighboring states.

This is just one example, but it gives you an idea of how it really goes down up there and how much this can be a good thing for Maine's economy.

DataRiker
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said by battleop:

If that's the route map then it's not going to directly help end users. It's no secret that I am not a fan of government owned fiber projects that directly compete with ISPs on the local level. This type of project is how it should be done. This project can help bring cheap bandwidth closer to the end user at a cheaper price. Local ISPs and WISPs can then it up and deliver it to the end user.
Well if we had real competition this wouldn't be an issue.

FFH5
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join:2002-03-03
Tavistock NJ

FFH5

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$32.5 million could have made Fairpoint solvent

Fairpoint could have used the $32.5 million to remain solvent and also provide the same fiber ring.
Stumbles
join:2002-12-17
Port Saint Lucie, FL

Stumbles

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Re: $32.5 million could have made Fairpoint solvent

Yes, lets float another bankrupt company with tax payers money.

Jim Kirk
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Yet another reason why no-one takes you seriously.

Metatron2008
You're it
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join:2008-09-02
united state

Metatron2008

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Re: $32.5 million could have made Fairpoint solvent

I think he's saying what he's saying... They could've used it if they choose to use the money to build out.
Stumbles
join:2002-12-17
Port Saint Lucie, FL

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So why should the tax payers of Maine bailout a bankrupt company? I see no reason why they should given Fairpoint's pitiful track record. It would be one thing if their current position was due to events well outside their control but that is not the case; it rests squarely on bad management.
cajun4x4
join:2000-10-02
Rayne, LA

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cajun4x4

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Re: $32.5 million could have made Fairpoint solvent

But yet you agree to let $25 million in Federal Taxes to be spent on a network that could possibly not be used but by a few ISP's that may not be around in the future. These BTOP networks are already set up to fail due to the lack of funding from state coffers if and when that time comes.
Stumbles
join:2002-12-17
Port Saint Lucie, FL

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Stumbles

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Re: $32.5 million could have made Fairpoint solvent

Well its quite obvious that how many carriers have now failed at what they said they were going to do in Maine? ISTR at least two now and the C level folks of both while failing still walked away with buckets of money. This is after the State made all manner of allowances, et al.

It seems to me Maine has said with this project; We have had enough of being raped by incompetent and mismanaged companies that make all kinds of promises and failing to deliver. At this point, I see no reason why Maine is unjustified to take this on; and if the State of Florida found themselves in the same position, I would be all for it.

As for the $25 million, those stimulus funds are there regardless what Maine has decided to do, so to site that is a red-herring. While I do not agree with the "stimulus" notions the fact is our Federal government has already made it so and I would rather see my tax dollars go to Maine for this project than that sum spent on "beautification projects" or another round of a company making promises they have no clue how to keep.

To automatically assume failure before they even get started is a bit shortsighted.
cajun4x4
join:2000-10-02
Rayne, LA

cajun4x4

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Re: $32.5 million could have made Fairpoint solvent

What I cannot understand is that we would rather our government entities take over these types of services at the cost of jobs in the private sector. With increased competition comes decreased revenue which drives fewer employees. I don't completely understand how that can help stimulate anything. Hence the reason we are in the situation we are in with China. We all want something cheap and want it now at all costs because we all think that it is our right.

El Quintron
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said by FFH5:

Fairpoint could have used the $32.5 million to remain solvent and also provide the same fiber ring.
Fairpoint (or any other Telco for that matter) doesn't deserve any more tax dollars.

Seriously why would give your money to a corporation so they can build something that in the end they will own?

There's being pro-capitalism and being pro-big business but that's just silly.

FFH5
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join:2002-03-03
Tavistock NJ

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FFH5

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Re: $32.5 million could have made Fairpoint solvent

said by El Quintron:

said by FFH5:

Fairpoint could have used the $32.5 million to remain solvent and also provide the same fiber ring.
Fairpoint (or any other Telco for that matter) doesn't deserve any more tax dollars.

Seriously why would give your money to a corporation so they can build something that in the end they will own?

There's being pro-capitalism and being pro-big business but that's just silly.
It is going to a private corporation anyway - just not Fairpoint.
From the story as Karl posted:
The project, which is to be owned and operated by a private operation named Maine Fiber Company

El Quintron
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El Quintron

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Re: $32.5 million could have made Fairpoint solvent

If that's the case...

(and its not some type of neutral, not-for-profit, or mandated crown-corporation type of thing)

Then I would assume the state of Maine decide that their chances were better with this outfit than with Farpoint.

I still maintain my point, given what you've just said that Fairpoint was the worst choice, and I'm happy for the state of Maine that they opted to spend that money elsewhere.

FFH5
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Tavistock NJ

FFH5

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Re: $32.5 million could have made Fairpoint solvent

said by El Quintron:

Then I would assume the state of Maine decide that their chances were better with this outfit than with Farpoint.

I still maintain my point, given what you've just said that Fairpoint was the worst choice, and I'm happy for the state of Maine that they opted to spend that money elsewhere.
Won't dispute at all your points here. Maine has a hate on for Fairpoint and does NOT want them to get any more Federal money, worried it may be wasted on non-Maine areas.

But if Fairpoint had gotten that Federal money, it may have been the best option for maintaining svc to the most Maine customers, unlike what may happen thru the bankruptcy court decisions that Fairpoint is now going thru.

Jim Kirk
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Jim Kirk

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Re: $32.5 million could have made Fairpoint solvent

said by FFH5:

But if Fairpoint had gotten that Federal money, it may have been the best option for maintaining svc to the most Maine customers, unlike what may happen thru the bankruptcy court decisions that Fairpoint is now going thru.
The government wasting more money via another bailout? Why TK, you're starting to sound like a Democrat.
Jim Kirk

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Open Access / Non-Discrimination Policy

Maine Fiber Company, Inc. (MFC) is building a dark fiber network called the Three Ring Binder across the State of Maine to improve broadband access in areas of need. Much of this project is funded by the American Reconstruction and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). MFC provides fiber along the Three Ring Binder project on an open-access, non-discriminatory basis.

This means that any financially responsible entity may lease fiber along the route, including any institution customer, telecom carrier, or internet service provider.

This also means that all users will have access at the same pricing and substantially similar terms and conditions relative to their use of the network.

MFC files a tariff with the Maine Public Utilities Commission with prices for all to see, and they are prominently displayed, along with a route map, on the MFC website.
So, unlike the outcome of wasting the money on Fairpoint, any "financially responsible entity" will be able to lease fiber on the network. Open access at it's finest.

whfsdude
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said by ThrowDemsOut :

The project, which is to be owned and operated by a private operation named Maine Fiber Company
MFC was created to build, maintain, and lease the Three Ring Binder. It exists entirely for this project.

Yes, it's a small private company that is setup to maintain it but it's not a big corporation.

El Quintron
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Re: $32.5 million could have made Fairpoint solvent

said by whfsdude:

MFC was created to build, maintain, and lease the Three Ring Binder. It exists entirely for this project.

Yes, it's a small private company that is setup to maintain it but it's not a big corporation.
So it's a mandated neutral backbone provider then...

Which is how it should be, because then even if the big Telecoms don't want to cooperate with the initiative, Small and medium sized ISPs can fill the gap.

Metatron2008
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Metatron2008

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Re: $32.5 million could have made Fairpoint solvent

Alot of you don't understand the points TK makes...

Paying money to another private corporation for more buildouts is more wasteful then paying the same company t do the same thing.

The problem of course would be getting the same company (Fairpoint) to not waste money and then weasel out.

TK, your idea is the most ideal, but I'm with everyone in that you shouldn't give bad management more money to waste.

El Quintron
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Re: $32.5 million could have made Fairpoint solvent

said by Metatron2008:

Alot of you don't understand the points TK makes...

Paying money to another private corporation for more buildouts is more wasteful then paying the same company t do the same thing.
I understand TK's point perfectly. I'm not sure you understand what MFC's purpose private or otherwise is.

MFC is a private company that's being setup with a sole purpose to manage the interconnect in Maine.

I would assume the state of Maine is setting it up this way that it can't be challenged legally by the likes of Fairpoint.

It's basically a state-run corporation in everything but in name because its only purpose is to run the Three Ring Binder.
said by Metatron2008:

The problem of course would be getting the same company (Fairpoint) to not waste money and then weasel out.
Farpoint has struck out too many times it needs to sink or swim on its own merits...

voiplover
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join:2004-05-28
Portsmouth, NH

voiplover

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Fiber

It's spelled UN Fair Point! here in Maine.
Just went through almost a year of DSL that creepped along at dial up speeds. The DSLAM is bad and they can't replace it. Now they have decided that we should have to pay for something that has been down for almost a year and I'm not alone.

michieru
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join:2009-07-25
Denver, CO

michieru

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Excellent

Good job Maine, it gives me just another reason to move up to Maine in the next 10 years as I save up money for a home in Lewiston.

swintec
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join:2003-12-19
Alfred, ME

swintec

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Re: Excellent

said by michieru:

Good job Maine, it gives me just another reason to move up to Maine in the next 10 years as I save up money for a home in Lewiston.
I have to ask, are you serious? Anyone that I know who has lived there or moved there couldnt wait to get out or wants to get out. Portland or Augusta or Bangor I can understand, but Lewiston/Auburn is on a steep hill downwards.

•••

P Ness
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way way out

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said by michieru:

Good job Maine, it gives me just another reason to move up to Maine in the next 10 years as I save up money for a home in Lewiston.
Please as if this means fiber will ever make it to your home.

michieru
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join:2009-07-25
Denver, CO

michieru

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Re: Excellent

If it doesn't oh well DSL 1.5mbps is fine with me too as I don't have needs for such high speed internet but 6.0 and even 10mbps will be preferred as I would like to have netflix.

mrkevin
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Aurora, ME

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Well, the small independant phone company I work for here in Maine is about a 1/3 complete with our FTTH transition, so we're not all a bunch of backwards hicks.
I agree though, this fiber ring means nothing to the average user, it's not like Fail-point is going to rent dark fibers from a private company when they don't have the cash to repair and maintain central office equipment.
AND
See the name "Three Ring Binder"? You'll find that the main user of this network will be schools and libraries through MSLN (Maine State Library Network)

Duramax08
To The Moon
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Duramax08

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Can this be like facebook?

Duramax08 likes this thread. Guess the message icon will do for now.
sonicmerlin
join:2009-05-24
Cleveland, OH

sonicmerlin

Member

FTT?

This is just to provide middle mile backhaul, right? There's no plan to create a FTTN/H network is there?

michieru
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Denver, CO

michieru

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Re: FTT?

That will be up to Tier 2 ISPs who want to provide the last mile.

ArrayList
DevOps
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join:2005-03-19
Mullica Hill, NJ

ArrayList

Premium Member

tier 1 or tier 2 isp?

will this be a tier 1 or tier 2 isp?