FirstLight, a provider of digital infrastructure services to enterprise and carrier customers throughout the Northeast and mid-Atlantic, has reached an expansion milestone in Vermont with 1,800 route miles of fiber in service throughout the state.
The company has grown organically in Vermont, as well as through various acquisitions. In 2013, FirstLight acquired the assets of Vermont-based TelJet, and in 2017, acquired SoverNet Communications, along with its Broadband Technology Opportunities Program (BTOP) assets. FirstLight honors all the commitments made under the BTOP grants and operates these fiber assets in an open access manner consistent with BTOP guidelines.
This fiber network runs throughout Vermont and is designed to facilitate interconnection with more than 30 PoPs and thousands of interconnection points. It connects 1,500 locations with the ability to connect 6,800 additional buildings.
Since acquiring the BTOP assets, FirstLight has invested its own capital to upgrade the network with the latest generation technology and expanded the footprint to serve more customers throughout the state. This year, FirstLight has added 58 route miles of fiber in Vermont, with 47 additional miles slated for construction by year’s end.
FirstLight serves some of Vermont’s largest schools, colleges, health care facilities, government entities, and financial services institutions – along with retailers and small businesses – with low-latency, symmetrical broadband, in addition to an array of unified communications, cloud, and security solutions and equipment. All are supported by local teams of technicians and service staff.
In addition to businesses, FirstLight connects more than 300 cell sites throughout the state in support of its wireless carrier customers’ initiatives to deliver high-quality broadband services including those enabled by 5G.
FirstLight operates two data centers in Burlington as well as various support centers throughout the state.
“Given its unique geography and rugged topography, combined with its natural draw for tourism and four-season recreation, Vermont needs a reliable fiber provider with the ability to deliver secure, redundant connectivity and diverse solutions 24×7,” said Kurt Van Wagenen (pictured), President and CEO. “FirstLight is honored and proud to provide these services. FirstLight has deep roots in the area, and Vermont remains an important region for us to serve.”
