New Hampshire Electric Co-op awarded over $5M in funding to expand rural broadband access

PLYMOUTH — New Hampshire Electric Cooperative announced it has been awarded $5.58 million in Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment Program funding through the New Hampshire Office of Broadband Initiatives. The funding will support the expansion of NH Broadband’s, the Co-op's wholly owned subsidiary, 100% fiber-optic network to unserved and underserved areas across New Hampshire, further advancing the state’s goal of being first in nation to achieve universal broadband access.

The BEAD investment will enable NH Broadband to reach more than 2,500 homes and businesses. Construction is planned across 23 communities, including Bath, Benton, Clarksville, Colebrook, Danbury, Dixville, Goshen, Grafton, Groton, Haverhill, Hill, Holderness, Lyman, Moultonborough, New Hampton, Orange, Orford, Piermont, Springfield, Thornton, Tuftonboro, Warren, and Wentworth.

“We’re pleased the state of New Hampshire Department of Business and Economic Affairs, Governor Ayotte, and the Executive Council reaffirmed their confidence in our ability to deliver state-of-the-art fiber internet to unserved and underserved areas of New Hampshire,” Michael Jennings, president & CEO of the Co-op, said.

Once complete, the project will add more than 126 miles of new fiber, dramatically improving access to high-speed, reliable internet for remote work, education, telehealth, and economic development. Fiber- optic broadband offers fast speeds, affordable prices, and future-proof guarantee.

In 2020, NH Broadband stepped-up to deliver high-speed internet to previously unserved and under-served areas across New Hampshire. It has installed over 2,500 miles of fiber making fast, reliable internet available to over 40,000 households and in nearly 100 towns. NH Broadband has the highest customer satisfaction of any internet service provider in the state and has an average Google Review score of 4.7 out of 5 for its service. It is committed to connecting underserved communities and will continue investing in network expansion through 2027. 

Residents can check service availability and learn more at nhbroadband.com by clicking “Check Availability.” With no installation fees, plans starting at $49.95 per month, and speeds of up to 2 gig, NH Broadband continues to deliver fast, local, and reliable internet to New Hampshire communities.