High Speed Fiber Optic Network Study
Final Feasibility Report for a Falmouth Community Network
The Falmouth Economic Development and Industrial Corporation (EDIC) and The Falmouth Community Network Committee (Network Committee) believe that a robust broadband infrastructure is critical to the Town of Falmouth’s economic growth. In 2019, the Network Committee approached the EDIC with the idea of doing a first ever study of Falmouth’s broadband infrastructure. The EDIC agreed and retained CCG to analyze Falmouth’s broadband infrastructure and make recommendations regarding the viability of a new, alternative, broadband network that would address gaps in the current system and provide capacity for future growth.
CCG found that broadband customers in Falmouth experience inconsistent speeds and frequent outages and that as many as 61% of residents and many businesses would consider moving to a new broadband network. With that level of potential demand, CCG determined that it would be financially feasible to build and operate a new high-speed fiber optic network that would bring gigabit broadband capability to every home and business in Falmouth.
The Final Report contains a Summary of Findings, which references the more detailed study that follows and that discusses the various topics and key findings in more detail.
January 2020 Survey of Falmouth Residents Shows Strong Interest for More Competition Among Internet Service Providers
EDIC Launches Feasibility Study for Falmouth’s Own Fiber Optic Network
The EDIC kicked off a feasibility study for a community fiber optic network for Falmouth at a public meeting on December 12th, 2019.
At the meeting, Doug Dawson, President of CCG Consulting, the contractor selected by the EDIC to lead the study, provided an overview of the project and will encourage those in attendance to share their experiences and ask questions regarding Internet services available now or in the future in Falmouth.
In announcing the kick-off meeting, Christopher Land, Chairman of the Falmouth EDIC noted “All sectors of Falmouth’s economy require reliable, high speed Internet service. This first ever assessment will give us a handle on what problems our residents and businesses are experiencing and whether a community fiber optic network is a possible solution”.
The idea of a Falmouth community network was conceived by a grassroots group of Falmouth residents as a competitive, locally controlled alternative to service providers like Comcast or Verizon. In June, the Falmouth Community Network Group brought its idea to the EDIC, Falmouth’s non-profit economic development corporation, and the Board voted to fund a $50,000 feasibility study. The group has continued to work with the EDIC to move the Falmouth community network study towards reality.
Today's Internet connections in Falmouth are subject to summer overloads and weather-related outages. Verizon's most advanced residential service, FIOS, doesn't cross the Cape Cod Canal. As a result, Comcast has the only high-speed residential service in Falmouth.
As conceived by advocates, the proposed network would provide a competitive alternative to existing commercial internet service providers. By making high speed fiber optic technology more widely available, the Falmouth community network would support reliable service and fast internet access. In addition, the network would have the capacity to serve Falmouth’s summer population while also supporting the year-round economy. A locally controlled community-based network would offer better customer service and more transparent rates.
Currently there are 16 Massachusetts communities with locally controlled internet access networks including the eastern Massachusetts towns of Taunton, Norwood, Braintree, Concord and Reading. Falmouth is one of twelve Massachusetts towns that have announced actions to explore community networks in 2019.
The Falmouth feasibility study will survey Falmouth residents and businesses about their current internet services. It will examine Falmouth's communications infrastructure to determine the cost of building the envisioned network and it will specify several options for financing and operating the network.
In July 2019, the EDIC, working with the Falmouth Community Network Group, issued an RFP for consultant services to complete the feasibility study. Nine firms responded with proposals. CCG Consulting, based in North Carolina, was selected by the EDIC at its November meeting. CCG Consulting, in business since 1997, is a full-service telecom consulting company for small communications carriers. It has completed over 200 similar feasibility studies for clients around the country. Many of these clients are local and county governments.
EDIC Press Contact:
Wayne Lingafelter, Executive Director, 443-542-7075, WLingafelter@falmouthedic.org
About Doug Dawson and CCG Consulting Doug Dawson and his firm, CCG Consulting, recently marked their 20th year working in the telecommunications industry. Prior to establishing the firm, Doug already had significant experience in the field, having worked in the industry since 1978. Doug belongs to a small cadre of professionals who have the technical expertise and policy knowledge to set them apart. More at www.ccgcomm.com
About the Falmouth Community Network Group The Falmouth community network group is a citizen’s advocacy group that envisions a Falmouth community network to improve Internet access reliability, provides a competitive choice, increase speed, provide local customer service, support summer visitors and year-round jobs and hold down rates. More at www.falmouthnet.org
Falmouth Community Network Group Press Contact:
Courtney Bird, 508-457-8802, Courtney.Bird@verizon.net