Internet experience that you deserve

The Otter Creek Communications Union District (OCCUD) exists to bring connectivity solutions that support municipalities in and near the Regions of Rutland, Vermont.

Otter Creek Communications Union District (OCCUD) Triumphs with Award of Act 71 Construction Grant by VCBB

[Rutland, Vermont – September 11, 2023] — Otter Creek CommunicationsUnion District (OCCUD) is delighted to announce a momentous milestone in its mission to transform Rutland regions digitalclandscape. The Vermont Community Broadband Board (VCBB) has officially approved OCCUD’s Act 71 Construction Grant application, giving the green light to a project that will bring high-speed fiber broadband to the rural communities of Rutland.

This grant, a culmination of dedicated efforts and a shared vision for a digitally connected Rutland region, will facilitate OCCUD's ambitious project targeting 4,135 locations in Benson, Brandon, Castleton, Chittenden, Fair Haven, Goshen, Hubbardton, Pawlet, Pittsford, Poultney, Sudbury, Wells, and West Haven. Construction is slated to begin in early 2024 and is projected to be completed by the end of 2025.

"We are thrilled that our application for the Act 71 Construction Grant was approved by the VCBB," says Laura Black, Chair of OCCUD. "This grant is a true testament to our commitment to bridging the digital divide, lifting up our communities, and ensuring that everyone, regardless of where they live, can experience the life-changing benefits of high-speed internet."

OCCUD extends gratitude to all stakeholders, community members, and partners, especially Consolidated Communications, Inc. (Fidium), for their invaluable support throughout this journey. The team at OCCUD is eagerly looking ahead to the opportunity to deliver world-class broadband
infrastructure and foster a more connected and digitally inclusive Rutland region.

Updates on the project's progress will be shared as OCCUD works tirelessly to make Rutland's digital aspirations a reality.

Let’s connect

Seamlessly connecting people to the internet

Building for Our Communities’ Futures and Removing the Barriers to Access Fast, Reliable Internet.

Fiber optic network technology is the future of broadband. It uses fiber-optic technology to reach the fastest speeds available. When you’re on a fiber optic network, you’ll experience significantly faster upload and download speeds, more bandwidth for multiple devices and a reliable connection.

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Advanced technology for everyone

According to 2019 VT Dept of Public Service data, 774 premises in the greater Rutland Region are underserved by internet.

The Otter Creek Communications District (OCCUD) aims to bring not just ‘sufficient’ internet, but fast and reliable internet to the region… removing barriers to access the quality of internet needed and wanted to productively thrive in the digital age by also making this resource affordable.

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How fast is fast?

Time to transfer a 5GB file (HD film or 5GB worth of photos)

Does your municipality want a better internet that involved no risk, liability, or obligation of the municipality nor its residents?

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Supporting the municipalities in and near the Rutland Region

The Otter Creek Communications Union District (OCCUD) exists for the purpose of bringing the quality and speed of internet needed to compete in a global economy, access the health services needed, study and work from home as wanted or needed, and overall have the same communication resources as those that live in more urbanized areas.

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Bringing fiber optic to the people of Vermont

Access to reliable high-speed internet is vital to a community’s economic development and global competitiveness.

Formed in July 2020 with the Town of Brandon taking the first step (as outlined in Vermont State Statute) to form a communications union district) and quickly after joined by Goshen, the OCCUD has 11 member municipalities as of November 2020.