This page contains information specific to Blue Hill, Maine - from Presentations & Reports to current efforts and their status updates.
See the two (2) reports below.
See the two (2) reports below.
Blue Hill Specific Reports
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Blue Hill Broadband Report - Why it was created
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Blue Hill Technology Plan - Assessment of the "Plan"
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A locally developed document (BHBB Report below) was created to more accurately identify coverage in Blue Hill and provide some basic facts about Internet in town. In the document are some of the items in the previously prepared "Technology Plan" that incompletely/inaccurately represented realities in Blue Hill. The "... Broadband Report" does not present a thorough assessment of all of the options with Fiber - from design to funding - but attempts to clarify what we have and do not have. Since it being written additional shortfalls in the town's DSL capacity have been discovered.
More to come. |
The "... Community Technology Plan" (report follows) was completed as an overview tool with limited local survey participation (107 of approx. 1600 homes). It should not be used for technical, financial or detailed expansion related decisions. Some statements overstate the reality in Blue Hill and coverage depiction (i.e. circles for coverage) is misleading and inaccurate at best. Coverage assumptions for copper service should always be made based on road/pole mileage - not circles! Coverage assumptions can be overstated still.
Other issues with the assumptions made in the document should be of concern as well - to include the fact that it sets no baseline broadband standard to measure from (i.e. FCC, ConnectME or otherwise - e.g. 25Mbps/3Mbps). |
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Update: It appears that Consolidated Communications Inc. (CCI) may be changing direction in the next year or two and the focus will NOT be on copper (i.e. DSL, etc.). With that in mind, all future upgrades to DSL systems may be on permanent hold! It is anticipated that the RT on Pleasant St. will be upgraded but the RT on Morgan Bay will not. More info to come.
What Can You Do Now?
1. Ask CCI for Bonded Service (if it's available)
- Multiple phone lines are combined to deliver greater down and upload capacity. For DSL only.
- There is a catch – not all modems are the same. There is only one you can buy or rent that's the same.
2. Turn OFF Auto Application (app) Updates for devices (i.e. smart phone, tablets, TV, etc.)
- your varying service problems (i.e. lockups) will dramatically improve
3. Ensure you are paying for what you actually get
- Know who you get service from, what you are getting from them and what you are actually paying for.
- Test your Internet connection to make sure you're getting what they say you are! Don't assume you are.
AND don’t forget…learn to deal. Get the most service for the price you are willing/able to pay. This especially applies to cell phone services. Things change all the time and you'll never know it unless you call every quarter or 6 mos.
Please note too - your technician(s) are trying to do their best with what they have to work with. They are as frustrated as you! They have the same problems at home too.
Conduct the Speed Test noted on the Home Page.
For general speed testing https://www.speedtest.net is on the web and as an app for tablets & smart phones.
INTERNET INEQUALITY - See this exceptional summary...
See it here on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCarEovlrD9QY-fy-Z6apIDQ
"On the latest episode of Patriot Act, Hasan discusses Internet inequality in the U.S. and the reasons why millions of Americans cannot get online in 2019. Even though the Internet is considered a basic human right by the UN, many poor and rural communities across the country are still left with little to no access to broadband networks. This lack of Internet access then further impacts the ability of these communities to obtain healthcare, education, and other important necessities. While Internet service providers like Comcast and Charter are largely to blame for Internet inequality in parts of the country, the FCC is making things worse by siding with private corporations at the expense of millions of Americans who lack access to what has become a vital tool for everyday life. Since so many Americans lack access to streaming platforms like Netflix, we decided to put out a DVD version of this episode that can be rented at dvd.com/patriotact. Just don’t forget to mail it back when you are done with it." Watch Patriot Act with Hasan Minhaj on Netflix: https://www.netflix.com/title/80239931
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCarEovlrD9QY-fy-Z6apIDQ
"On the latest episode of Patriot Act, Hasan discusses Internet inequality in the U.S. and the reasons why millions of Americans cannot get online in 2019. Even though the Internet is considered a basic human right by the UN, many poor and rural communities across the country are still left with little to no access to broadband networks. This lack of Internet access then further impacts the ability of these communities to obtain healthcare, education, and other important necessities. While Internet service providers like Comcast and Charter are largely to blame for Internet inequality in parts of the country, the FCC is making things worse by siding with private corporations at the expense of millions of Americans who lack access to what has become a vital tool for everyday life. Since so many Americans lack access to streaming platforms like Netflix, we decided to put out a DVD version of this episode that can be rented at dvd.com/patriotact. Just don’t forget to mail it back when you are done with it." Watch Patriot Act with Hasan Minhaj on Netflix: https://www.netflix.com/title/80239931
The Need for Speed... and Capacity!
We all have the need and many don’t even know it, or how to measure it. As time passes the need increases, we then get left even more behind – really!
At 3.2 miles from the local DSL (Consolidated-CCI) Central Office (CO) and with bonded service (note #1 above), my capacity is 2.7Mbps/.7Mbps. Non bonded it was 1.5Mbps/.5Mbps, though CCI provides unlimited data! The only other reasonable option is HughesNet "Gen 5" – with a minimum 25Mbps/3Mbps but with data cap levels which when exceeded lower the capacity to my DSL level. I'd tested the 10 Gig data service (cost more than CCI) and used the 10G of data in under 2 days. For 4K streaming, Netflix estimates 7 gigabytes an hour.
Netflix recommends a 3Mbps connection for one (1) standard-quality stream & 5Mbps for a high-definition (HD) stream (up to 1080p). Two (2) simultaneous HD quality streams would need around 10Mbps, and so on.
For 4K (UHD) Amazon recommends at least 15Mbps, while Netflix advises 25Mbps. If other devices at home occupy your bandwidth, 15 or 25Mbps will not suffice. Online video games don't require much bandwidth to play but downloading a game or other huge file can take a lot of bandwidth.
Netflix and Amazon want your business and for you to be happy.
This may help – for:
General web surfing, email, social media 1 Mbps
Online gaming* 1-3 Mbps
Video conferencing 1-4 Mbps
Standard-definition (SD) video streaming 3-4 Mbps
High-definition (HD) video streaming 5-8 Mbps
4K (UHD) video streaming 15-25 Mbps
Frequent large file downloading 50 Mbps and up
*A connection with low latency, the time it takes your computer to talk to the game server, is more important than bandwidth for gaming.
Internet provider data caps (e.g. Cell Phones and HughesNet) drive the costs up.
In less than five (5) years - when the next TV technology comes out or the need for more advanced systems is released and you want or need it…. you better be thinking Fiber! 100-200Mbps will not be enough. Cable TV is not gonna cut it nor is DSL – both rely on copper.
The speed you sign up for isn’t always the speed you get. You can get up to the listed speed but the available bandwidth can be affected by other household network demand, your own hardware and your provider’s infrastructure quality, among other factors.
While download speed is often a major criteria, upload speed can be just as important. Upload photos, videos? Uploading large files with slow/low upload speed/capacity can slow down your download or even lock up your modem.
Submitted by: Butler Smythe
At 3.2 miles from the local DSL (Consolidated-CCI) Central Office (CO) and with bonded service (note #1 above), my capacity is 2.7Mbps/.7Mbps. Non bonded it was 1.5Mbps/.5Mbps, though CCI provides unlimited data! The only other reasonable option is HughesNet "Gen 5" – with a minimum 25Mbps/3Mbps but with data cap levels which when exceeded lower the capacity to my DSL level. I'd tested the 10 Gig data service (cost more than CCI) and used the 10G of data in under 2 days. For 4K streaming, Netflix estimates 7 gigabytes an hour.
Netflix recommends a 3Mbps connection for one (1) standard-quality stream & 5Mbps for a high-definition (HD) stream (up to 1080p). Two (2) simultaneous HD quality streams would need around 10Mbps, and so on.
For 4K (UHD) Amazon recommends at least 15Mbps, while Netflix advises 25Mbps. If other devices at home occupy your bandwidth, 15 or 25Mbps will not suffice. Online video games don't require much bandwidth to play but downloading a game or other huge file can take a lot of bandwidth.
Netflix and Amazon want your business and for you to be happy.
This may help – for:
General web surfing, email, social media 1 Mbps
Online gaming* 1-3 Mbps
Video conferencing 1-4 Mbps
Standard-definition (SD) video streaming 3-4 Mbps
High-definition (HD) video streaming 5-8 Mbps
4K (UHD) video streaming 15-25 Mbps
Frequent large file downloading 50 Mbps and up
*A connection with low latency, the time it takes your computer to talk to the game server, is more important than bandwidth for gaming.
Internet provider data caps (e.g. Cell Phones and HughesNet) drive the costs up.
In less than five (5) years - when the next TV technology comes out or the need for more advanced systems is released and you want or need it…. you better be thinking Fiber! 100-200Mbps will not be enough. Cable TV is not gonna cut it nor is DSL – both rely on copper.
The speed you sign up for isn’t always the speed you get. You can get up to the listed speed but the available bandwidth can be affected by other household network demand, your own hardware and your provider’s infrastructure quality, among other factors.
While download speed is often a major criteria, upload speed can be just as important. Upload photos, videos? Uploading large files with slow/low upload speed/capacity can slow down your download or even lock up your modem.
Submitted by: Butler Smythe
So Where is Consolidated (CCI) in Blue Hill?
Summary: There is a Central Office and three (3) active Remote Terminals for all of Blue Hill....
Service beyond <1mile from any location is below 25Mbps/3Mbps and is not considered Broadband by the FCC or ConnectME!
Beyond 3 miles - CCI generally would not connect a home for service - but they do....
Consolidated (CCI) – Central Office (CO) & Remote Terminals (RT) Locations (see graphic below)
Capacity at some RT's is maxed out (as noted) and no specific plans are in place to enable more new service. This may apply to adjacent town's as well.
Capacity at some RT's is maxed out (as noted) and no specific plans are in place to enable more new service. This may apply to adjacent town's as well.
- High Street (N. corner of High and Pleasant St.) - CO
- Falls Bridge Road (175) (S. side, Between South & Parker Pt. Rd) - RT
- Pleasant Street (15) (E. side just prior to Hinkley Ridge Rd) - RT. Capacity FULL (no new service) unknown CCI resolution date.
- Morgan Bay Road (176) (E. side 44°25'47.6"N 68°30'43.1"W) - RT. Capacity FULL (no new service) no plan for CCI to resolve.
- Mines Road (176) (N. side of Mines and .2 mi south of Grindleville Rd) - RT
- Ellsworth Road (172)– No RT!
Central Office (CO) High & Pleasant Streets
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Remote Terminal (RT) - ON Pleasant St. south of Hinkley Ridge Rd. - Capacity is currently FULL!
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Remote Terminal (RT) - Falls Bridge Rd. near South St.
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Morgan Bay Road - approx. 1 Mi. short of the Surry Town Line
- Capacity is currently FULL!
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Mines Road's RT -
FCC CAF II funded
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Signal Loss On CCI Copper Wiring Over Distance
Bandwidth vs. distance: Longer the distance between the remote terminal (RT) & the subscriber, slower the max possible data rate due to lower frequencies being used to limit total attenuation (or higher # of errors at higher frequencies, effectively lowering overall freq./data rate). Rough guide follows - wire distance (based on 0.40 mm copper & ADSL2+ technology) & max data rate. Local conditions may vary, especially beyond 2 km, often necessitating a closer DSLAM.
- 25 Mbps at 1,000 ft 25/3 = FCC & Connect Maine “Broadband”
- 21 Mbps at 5,000 ft 1 Mile= 5,280 Ft
- 8 Mbps at 10,000 ft 2 Miles = 10,560 Ft
- 3 Mbps at 15,000 ft 3 Miles = 15,840 (Measurement at 3.2 mi. = 1.6/.6 (off EBH Rd))
- 1.5 Mbps at 17,000 ft ~3.4 Miles (CCI will not hook up a residence to DSL)
The graphic above serves to depict all the roads on which Charter Spectrum is located (blue lines) and the location of CCI transmitting offices/terminals for DSL.
Spectrum
1. Being on a road can not be assumed to mean service is available, as any residence over approximately 150 ft. from the road would have to pay to have wire extended to their building at approximately $20,000 per mile.
2. Not all roads are fully covered their entire length.
3. No road in Blue Hill with Spectrum on it has 100% coverage for all residences or businesses, even those where it travels the entire length (i.e. Parker Pt,, Salt Pond & Falls Bridge roads).
4. Spectrum will not state how many homes and businesses they serve in Blue Hill - only how many they "pass by."
CCI
1. Signal drop from a CO or RT is noted above.
2. CCI does not provide FCC/ConnectME broadband beyond 1,000 feet from those locations.
3. Anyone within approximately 3 miles of a CO or RT will get basic internet (DSL) if it is on a sending leg from that location.
4. Not every home in Blue Hill has even basic wired internet access (i.e. some have none at all). The total is not specifically known, but it is estimated that approximately 150 do not - of the approximately 1,500 building units (10%).
5. CCI will not state how many homes or businesses are not served by basic DSL.
Spectrum
1. Being on a road can not be assumed to mean service is available, as any residence over approximately 150 ft. from the road would have to pay to have wire extended to their building at approximately $20,000 per mile.
2. Not all roads are fully covered their entire length.
3. No road in Blue Hill with Spectrum on it has 100% coverage for all residences or businesses, even those where it travels the entire length (i.e. Parker Pt,, Salt Pond & Falls Bridge roads).
4. Spectrum will not state how many homes and businesses they serve in Blue Hill - only how many they "pass by."
CCI
1. Signal drop from a CO or RT is noted above.
2. CCI does not provide FCC/ConnectME broadband beyond 1,000 feet from those locations.
3. Anyone within approximately 3 miles of a CO or RT will get basic internet (DSL) if it is on a sending leg from that location.
4. Not every home in Blue Hill has even basic wired internet access (i.e. some have none at all). The total is not specifically known, but it is estimated that approximately 150 do not - of the approximately 1,500 building units (10%).
5. CCI will not state how many homes or businesses are not served by basic DSL.
Benefits of Fiber... |
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Fiber In Blue Hill - yes it is here - but limited in access and purpose....
There is Fiber Optic Cable in Blue Hill. It is readily identified at a utility poles by an orange cover whose marking provides the identification of the owner. The primary owner is Consolidated Communications. It's primary purposes are as follows:
1. Provide signal to the Central Office and Remote Terminals
2. Provide fiber service through the Maine Schools and Libraries Network (MSLN) - see below
3. To business users (it is believe there are none in Blue Hill)
4. Provide fiber service to the tower on Blue Hill Mountain
Note: This fiber is not for home use and CCI's business model does not enable that.
Fiber is located on:
a. East Blue Hill Rd. (to the RT on Morgan Bay Rd)
b. Curtis Cove Rd (to the East Blue Hill Library)
c. Ellsworth Road
d. Pleasant St. (to the RT on Pleasant & Hinkley Ridge Rds. & beyond)
e. Mountain Rd. (servicing the tower on Blue Hill Mtn.
f. Mines Rd. to Sedgwick (to service the RT on the Mines Rd.)
g. South St. & Salt Pond Rd. to Sedgwick Rd. (servicing the RT on Falls Bridge Rd.)
The Fiber is NOT on the Falls Bridge Road!
Note: Fiber goes through the Village of Blue Hill to connect to the roads named above.
Fiber service as provided by Maine Schools and Libraries Network (MSLN) to:
1. Provide signal to the Central Office and Remote Terminals
2. Provide fiber service through the Maine Schools and Libraries Network (MSLN) - see below
3. To business users (it is believe there are none in Blue Hill)
4. Provide fiber service to the tower on Blue Hill Mountain
Note: This fiber is not for home use and CCI's business model does not enable that.
Fiber is located on:
a. East Blue Hill Rd. (to the RT on Morgan Bay Rd)
b. Curtis Cove Rd (to the East Blue Hill Library)
c. Ellsworth Road
d. Pleasant St. (to the RT on Pleasant & Hinkley Ridge Rds. & beyond)
e. Mountain Rd. (servicing the tower on Blue Hill Mtn.
f. Mines Rd. to Sedgwick (to service the RT on the Mines Rd.)
g. South St. & Salt Pond Rd. to Sedgwick Rd. (servicing the RT on Falls Bridge Rd.)
The Fiber is NOT on the Falls Bridge Road!
Note: Fiber goes through the Village of Blue Hill to connect to the roads named above.
Fiber service as provided by Maine Schools and Libraries Network (MSLN) to:
- Blue Hill Public Library (Blue Hill)
- East Blue Hill Library (East Blue Hill)
- George Stevens Academy (Village)
- Consolidated School (Village)
- Harbor School (South St.)
- Bay School (South St.)
CATV-"K" in photo w/droop
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Orange is Fiber Cable
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Example of Fiber Cable
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The following file is a basic Introduction to Broadband and how working together (i.e. the PUB) can help. It is not intended as a standalone file and some clarity is needed in some areas - specifically the last page, which does present an accurate picture of who/what does or could serve the area with basic information for each. More to come.
| Blue Hill Broadband-Intro.pdf |