Frequently Asked Questions

Summary: Broadband essentially means any high-speed Internet access that is always on and faster than traditional dial-up access.

The terms “Internet access” and “broadband” are often used interchangeably. There is frequently confusion between the two, especially as the definitions evolve with technology changes.

Internet access connects individual computer terminals, computers, mobile devices, and computer networks to the Internet, enabling users to access Internet services such as email, applications and information delivered via the World Wide Web. Internet service providers (ISPs) offer Internet access through various technologies that offer a wide range of data signaling rates (speeds).

Consumer use of the Internet first became popular through dial-up Internet access in the 1990s. By the first decade of the 21st century, many consumers in developed nations used faster, broadband Internet access technologies.

Broadband is a generic term representing any wide-bandwidth data transmission method with the ability to transport multiple signals and traffic types simultaneously. This data can be transmitted using coaxial cable, optical fiber, radio or twisted pair copper. In the context of Internet access, broadband is used much more loosely to mean any high-speed Internet access that is always on and faster than traditional dial-up access. Different governing authorities have developed inconsistent definitions of what constitutes broadband service based on access speed

The Vienna Fiber fiber optic network will provide high-speed access that runs at the speed of light, the fastest technology available. Vienna Fiber will be a data network which is constructed of optical fibers instead of the traditional copper wire or coaxial cable. Optical fiber is a hair-thin piece of glass that is specially designed to transmit pulses of light. Unlike coaxial cable, performance is not affected by interference or shared bandwidth. One small fiber can carry multiple signals at once and the signal does not degrade over long distances.

Each year the use of the internet for applications and services is increasing. As high-definition video, telemedicine, distance learning, telecommuting, and other applications continue to evolve, only fiber technology provides the bandwidth to carry the heavy data load we expect to see in the coming years. As a locally owned utility, we’re excited to bring Vienna the cutting-edge access which can support our community in the future.

Vienna residents have asked the Town to find a solution to the issue of providing quality, reliable, consistent, durable, upgradable, cost-effective high-speed internet with good customer service to all locations in our town. There is growing demand for having more service than is provided currently in town. Folks have expressed many reasons including remote work, access to education, access to telemedicine, running a small business, maintaining connections with family and friends, and the many other ways in which the Internet has become an essential part of our lives now. Fiber optic service can provide the bandwidth that growing business and personal internet use will require in our rural Maine setting.

The Vienna Select Board sees the delivery of this service as a vital one that affects the quality of life for all residents, businesses and visitors in Vienna. We think it should be provided equitably in the same manner as electric and telephone service: available to everyone with service by subscription.

In our February 2022 survey we sent out only to year-round residents we found that the majority of people connect over their phone lines by way of a DSL (digital subscriber line) service. Because DSL speed is dependent on how far you are from the phone line equipment the download speeds reported were from 3 Mbps to 25 Mbps. 

Other means of connecting were via cell phone data plans, HughesNet satellite dish antennas and a couple of homes using Starlink.

With faster, reliable, guaranteed speed (upload and download) fiber-optic internet you will be able to do everything online with ease. Multiple users in your building can each being doing data-intensive things online at the same time with no interruptions in service or speed. If you choose to only change your internet service you should see your cost for service remain the same or be lower (unless you choose a higher level of service.) With the reintroduction of data caps from most providers your current costs may soon rise if your family or business uses a lot of data each month; with our network there will be no data caps ever.

If you choose to take advantage of other services that can be reliably delivered with high-speed fiber optic internet, you can save even more each month. Internet-based streaming video providers come in many flavors, ranging from streaming-only services like Netflix and Amazon, to providers that attempt to replicate the feel of old-school set-up box Cable TV options, including access to local TV stations. Phone service options range from free or very-low-cost no-frills options, to very easy to use landline replacements, and all the way up to extremely full-featured business class phone systems. Combined, these options allow consumers to save money, experience new entertainment options, and telecommute or work remotely, more efficiently and seamlessly than ever.

Local TV: You can still receive local TV channels on your TV either through a streaming service or by using a digital over-the-air-antenna. (You can also view some channels on your computer online.) These channels are broadcast in HD and may have sharper picture quality than your cable or satellite service provides. To qualify as a television, and not a monitor, a display needs to have an over-the-air tuner built-in, so you can plug in an antenna and watch broadcast networks like ABC, CBS, Fox, NBC and PBS. Reception varies widely depending on where you live, however, and unless you buy an antenna DVR like the Fire TV Recast, AirTV or TiVo Bolt OTA, you're restricted to live-only viewing.

Cell Phone: You can use your cell phone within your house using your Wi-Fi signal even if you don’t have good cell reception at your house. There is no additional cost beyond what you are already paying for your cell phone and internet connections.

No Data Caps: With the rise of streaming video, some internet service providers have added data caps to their plans that can result in additional monthly fees and/or reduced speeds for your service once reaching the data cap. Most companies removed data caps during the pandemic but are now reintroducing them. The costs can be great, up to $50 monthly for additional data or unlimited service.

It’s simple! Call Axiom Technologies at 207-255-0679 to set up a service contact. Keep in mind there will be a $99 charge that will be credited towards your first monthly bills. 

Vienna will be involved in promotion and assistance also. Pre-registration will provide you free installation and get you in the queue for receiving service. When service is available in your area Axiom Technologies will let you know!

We are a municipal entity that will own the infrastructure and will contract with a company to provide internet service. This will be Axiom Technologies with an initial contract period of twelve years of service, with scheduled service reviews for levels of service, pricing, tech support and repair support. Our Gigabit service will be the fastest in town and our Maine local customer service will always be on call. Pricing will be held constant over each negotiated contract period with expectations that increases will be minimal in cost and should include increased service speeds.

The Maine Broadband Coalition is collecting information on individuals current broadband speed. This information is helpful for Maine to plan on helping areas like Vienna that underserved.

Follow this link to their page and scroll down and click on the  "Run Speed Test" button and follow their directions.

As of October 2022 84 people in Vienna ran their speed test and 94% reported speeds of less than 10Mbps download and less than 3 Mbps upload.

A good place to find more information about how broadband speed is measured can be found here

Yes ... Only if you use a Fairpoint email address (eg. johndoe@fairpoint.net) you will have to change to another email account.

wikiHow has a good explanation of what you have to do to change email addresses here

Outdoor Construction: Each location will receive a single dedicated aerial drop or an underground line. The fiber path will follow your existing onsite utilities. Aerial drops will be placed during network construction, and completed at the time of your interior appointment. Installation of underground service requires a different process for which you will be contacted in advance. A standard installation is for a driveway off an existing road in Vienna. If a new road is built the town will negotiate the cost for installing fiber service.

Interior Installation: A standard installation includes a device called an ONT (Optical Network Terminal) which is installed in your basement or on the ground floor, and standard ethernet cable hardwired to a WiFi router, usually installed on the ground floor in a central location. Custom installations may incur additional charges; please ask when scheduling if you have special requests. In the event of a power outage, unless you have a backup power source or generator the ONT and router will not be able to continue providing service.

Axiom Technologies will be offering the following service levels and pricing.

Year Round Subscription - paid monthly

100/100 Mbps: $59.99/month

250/250 Mbps: $64.99/month

500/500 Mbps: $109.99/month

Seasonal Subscription - paid annually (15% off)

100/100: $611.99/year

250/250: $662.99/year

500/500: $1121.99/year

Once you have a high-speed fiber connection to the internet there is a wealth of content available. Viewing content this way is referred to as "streaming"

You "stream" content using your home computer or smart TV or a streaming device like a Roku, Apple TV, or Amazon Fire and a subscription to some of these streaming services

• YouTube TV
• fubo - Live Sports without cable
• hulu - Stream full seasons of exclusive series, current-season episodes, hit movies, Hulu Originals, kids shows, and more.
• philo - Live, streaming, & on-demand. 60+ channels
• sling - Sling TV is the first app-based TV service letting you stream live television and on-demand content over the internet. Watch live shows wherever you are, at home or on the go! With Sling TV, you get to choose the television option that’s right for you, including Channel Add-ons, Premiums Add-ons, DVR Plus and more. Watching live TV is easier and more affordable with Sling - it’s the way TV should be!
• DirectTv - Regional sports networks, hit movies, original series, and more—our TV packages have the essential channels you want.
• Amazon Prime Video
• discovery+
• Disney+
• HBO Max - Now streaming blockbuster movies, epic originals, and addictive series
• peacock - Live Sports. News. Bingeworthy TV. Hundreds of Movies. Current Hits
• Netflix
• Starz
• Showtime - Critically-acclaimed originals, exclusive live sports, hit movies — all together.

The latest information will always be on our broadband page on the Vienna web site: Link here

We have a mailing list where we periodically send out news updates so you don't always have to keep checking on our web site. Subscribe to our list here

 Note: As of May 2024 this program has ended. Hopefully congress will renew it: see this news article.

As part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, President Biden and Vice President Harris worked with Democrats, Republicans, and Independents to create the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), which provides eligible households $30 per month off their internet bills. ACP-eligible households can also receive a one-time discount of up to $100 to purchase a laptop, desktop computer, or tablet from participating providers. 

Follow this link to see if you are eligible.