GWI to Begin Construction of Fiber Broadband Networks in Maine’s Katahdin Region

Biddeford, Maine– Biddeford Internet Corporation d.b.a. GWI, Maine’s premier provider in fiber-optic internet service and the state’s first B Corporation certified Internet Service Provider (ISP), proudly announced today that they will be beginning construction on the new fiber-based broadband networks to the the Katahdin region towns of Millinocket, East Millinocket, and Medway.  

The project is made possible through a trusted partnership between GWI and Arctaris Impact Fund, LP and Arctaris Opportunity Zone Fund, LLC.  Arctaris is a Boston-based investment firm aimed at growing service in underserved regions.  Arctaris funding will advance  the projects with GWI designing, building, operating, and selling internet services in the region once built.  In total, three towns will include over 4,000 residential and business premises in multiple phases. The network will cover all premises in Millinocket, East Millinocket and Medway.  

The GWI fiber service will deliver an internet experience that will be a vast improvement for the people of the Katahdin region.  Fiber broadband technology is heralded as future-proof in its ability to easily scale and grow with the technological needs of a community, as well as being ultra reliable and resilient. Unlike DSL, copper cable, satellite, or 5G service, fiber will neither degrade over time, nor is it susceptible to service interruptions.  Additionally, speeds will not throttle at peak-usage hours.  GWI’s network speeds are up to a gigabit level, both upload and download currently at its fastest tier with capacity to increase along with consumer demand. Furthermore, the service comes with a speed guarantee, no data caps, and GWI will not resell customer data.  GWI participates in the Federal Communication Commission’s Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), providing discount-eligible Americans and individuals on qualifying Tribal lands with money off of their internet bills. Lastly, the area will receive GWI’s 24/7/365 live customer support.

“The staff and I at GWI are immeasurably thrilled to be bringing fiber service to our neighbors, colleagues, and friends of the Katahdin region.  We see our service as a great harbinger of economic growth, both as a demographic and socio-economic equalizer when it lands in a region.  When one corner of Maine benefits, we truly all benefit” stated President and COO of GWI, Kerem Durdag.

“Connecting all three towns with fiber has been our goal since 2018,” said Kyle Leathers, President of Katahdin Broadband. “We’re pleased to work with GWI and Arctaris to make this a reality and we look forward to our citizens having more opportunities for employment, education, and telemedicine in the near future.”

GWI has already started the design work and is quickly progressing to construct the network with goals to begin turning up customers in early 2024. Detailed coverage maps will be posted on the GWI website soon.