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With the funding opportunity set to expire in a few months, the Vermont Community Broadband Board is urging Vermonters to act promptly.
Edited by Brad Randall, Broadband Communities
June 30, 2026 — Vermont residents struggling with the high costs of connecting to fiber broadband have a new lifeline: the Vermont Community Broadband Board’s (VCBB) Affordable Long Drop Program.
Announced June 23, the limited-time initiative helps cover the cost of a “long drop”—the connection running from roadside infrastructure directly to a home or business. These installations can reach thousands of dollars, particularly for underground lines, causing many residents to delay hookups.
“Broadband availability alone is not enough if folks can’t afford to connect,” said VCBB Executive Director Christine Hallquist, calling the program a crucial step to removing “one of the final barriers to universal broadband access.”
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Participating providers include WCVT, Franklin Telephone Co., ECFiber, DVFiber, Maple Broadband, NEK Broadband, and CVFiber, collectively spanning counties from Addison to Washington. The program specifically targets low- and moderate-income households, manufactured home communities, and residents who want service but face steep up-front installation quotes.
“Fiber broadband is an investment in the future,” noted Britaney Watson, VCBB’s digital equity officer, highlighting its necessity for remote work, telehealth, and online education.
Funding for the program is scheduled to end in September. Vermonters are encouraged to visit the VCBB website or contact their local provider directly to check eligibility before the deadline.
Some AI tools also assisted in the crafting of this report.
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