Update on Broadband in Tolland

Comcast is building a Fiber Optic Network for the Town of Tolland. Our agreements with Comcast and MBI are finalized, and the make-ready work is set to begin. Make ready is the first and longest part of the network build. The work includes individual pole applications to the pole owner (Eversource) for a pole license granting the right to attach Comcast fiber to Eversource poles. Make ready work consists of an engineering study on each pole to determine where the cable will be attached, if existing wires or transformers require adjustment, and in some cases, whether or not a new pole must be installed. When the license(s) are granted, construction of the fiber plant (wire attachment) and drops to home can begin.

We have also contracted Comcast to start design and construction on Schoolhouse Road, where the underground conduit will connect Tolland center to the approximate one hundred homes in North Tolland.

Comcast is bound by its agreement with MBI to cover 96% of the town. They will endeavor to cover as much as is feasible after covering their required 96%. Comcast has built other towns out to 99%.

Construction will start this Spring. However, this may be delayed slightly due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Comcast estimates the build will take eighteen to twenty-four months. Offerings will be identical to the Comcast offerings in the Springfield market. The timeline to complete construction is driven by the make-ready work, the wild card in the construction process. Once the make-ready is done, construction is completed at a reasonably fast pace.

Please contact me through the Town Website under the Broadband Committee should you have any questions.

Kevin Donovan
Chair
Tolland Broadband Committee