Electric co-op offers high-speed internet to 4 towns

LEMPSTER, N.H. (AP) - Nearly 900 New Hampshire Electric Cooperative customers in four towns now have access to high-speed internet service.

The broadband projects in Lempster, Clarksville, Colebrook and Stewartstown were supported by a $6.7 million grant from the state’s Connecting New Hampshire Emergency Broadband Program.

The project’s completion required the cooperation and support of numerous partners, all of whom worked under tight deadlines to have service available to members before Dec. 15, as required by the terms of the grant.

NHEC Broadband Executive Robert Cruickshank said the co-op would be working closely with towns, the state and federal government, contractors, and existing telecommunications providers as it builds out its broadband service. He also said the co-op will continue to seek out federal and state funding for construction.

The co-op is a member-owned electric distribution cooperative serving 85,000 homes and businesses in 115 New Hampshire communities.