(Left to right) Marcy Leger, Christian Leger, Laurie Reed, Peter Johnson, and Bill Davenport. All working on The Bath Fiber Optic Alliance. Photo contributed by: Marcy Leger.

Many Bath residents now have the chance to sign on for new high-speed fiber-optic internet service, but some of those in more rural parts of town are feeling left out.

North Bath business owners Marcy Leger and Christian Leger formed the Bath Fiber Optics Alliance after internet contractors revealed over 500 rural homes would be excluded from Bath’s new high-speed fiber optic build.

The city is replacing its current copper cable system with fiber, typically made of glass or plastic.

In addition to transmitting signals faster and farther, fiber is less susceptible to poor weather conditions and allows home generators to keep an internet connection during temporary power outages, according to GoNetspeed.com.

Bath City Manager Marc Meyers said many businesses in Bath have benefited from high-speed fiber optic for years, but the city’s new installation would reach residential homes for the first time, except for those living in North and South Bath.

“GoNetSpeed has been in Bath since last year working on fiber installation throughout the densest neighborhoods in Bath,” Meyers said. “The installation is expected to go live by the end of 2022, making fiber available to more than an additional 3,500 properties in Bath. Downtown properties have had access to fiber either through Lincolnville Communications or GWI for more than a decade.”

Running a health marketing firm from home in North Bath is difficult for Christian Leger. He said “spotty internet service” is an ongoing issue.

Marcy Leger recalled visiting the local library to send large files through email when her internet signal wasn’t strong enough.

North Bath resident Alicia Romac echoed the couple’s concerns by comparing the town’s current internet system to “a telephone party line from the early 1900s.”

“We have terrible internet, cell phone, and land-line phone service despite trying multiple providers,” said Romac. “As a remote working professional, I am frequently frustrated by dropped calls, being told that the quality of my phone connection is poor, and frequent loss of internet connectivity. At times I have driven to the Patten Free Library to conduct important business.”

With its 50 members, Bath Fiber Optics Alliance will apply for a grant through Maine Connectivity Authority — a governmental advocate for high-speed broadband — to provide funding for community outreach. If granted the monies, the next step would be to apply for a Connect the Ready Grant to support a future fiber optic build in North Bath.

Christian Leger said high-speed internet isn’t just crucial for businesses that host meetings via Zoom or send large files, but also for seniors who need to stay connected to loved ones. He said there is an expectation for “everyone to have a proper internet connection today.”

As a direct result of the COVID-19 pandemic, many Mainers now work from home. According to the Maine Department of Labor, 34% of homes reported at least one adult working remotely in March 2021.

Meyers said he supports the group’s efforts to “engage residents and property owners in underserved areas” and looks forward to the advancement of fiber optics in Bath.

“The support from the city in this is really strong and we are really happy with the level of collaboration we have been able to establish so far,” said Marcy Leger.

To check your internet coverage area, visit gonetspeed.vetro.io/map#5/43.91/-69.98.