FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 14, 2018
Contact: Clay Purvis, Telecommunications Director
(802) 371-9655
MEDIA RELEASE
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SERVICE ISSUES FINAL DRAFT OF VERMONT TELECOMMUNICATIONS PLAN & INVITES PUBLIC COMMENT
Montpelier—The Department of Public Service is pleased to announce the release of the final draft of the 2018 Telecommunications Plan. The 2018 Plan addresses the major ongoing developments in the telecommunications industry, including broadband and cellular infrastructure developments and regulatory policy.
“The Plan sets forth a clear strategy for continuing to improve broadband access and quality in Vermont,” said Department of Public Service Commissioner June Tierney. The Plan includes an overview of the state’s existing telecommunications infrastructure and strategies for increasing the availability of broadband and wireless voice services. Commissioner Tierney noted that the Plan describes the state of the industry, the challenges facing Vermont, and offers concrete recommendations for addressing them. “Access to high-quality, affordable telecommunications service is essential. While many Vermonters have several broadband and wireless voice options from which to choose, the Plan proposes steps to help the many Vermonters who still lack such choices,” she said.
The Department will hold four public hearings on the draft plan prior to adopting the plan. The hearings will be held in Burlington, Montpelier, Brattleboro, and St. Johnsbury. Dates and locations of the public hearings are forthcoming and will be announced in publications of record around the state. The 2018 Draft Plan is available on the Department’s website. Copies of the draft plan and information about the comment period may be obtained from the Department of Public Service by calling (802) 828-2811, via email to psd.telecom@vermont.gov, or by writing to the Department of Public Service, 112 State Street, Montpelier, VT 05620-2601.
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Vermont Department of Public Service
112 State Street
Montpelier, VT 05620-2601
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