BroadbandBI is a milestone achievement for Block Island. Constructed and implemented through innovative public-private partnerships, it is the first municipally-owned fiber optic network in the state providing service to homes and businesses.
The BroadbandBI network builds on the community anchor institution (CAI) network launched by the Town in 2019 that serves critical facilities including the Block Island School, Block Island Medical Center, Island Free Library, Public Safety facilities, Town Hall and Block Island Utility District. BroadbandBI leverages dark fiber installed during the CAI Network construction and leased subsea fiber strands owned by Rhode Island Energy (previously, National Grid).
The BroadbandBI network is operated and maintained by Sertex Broadband, and Internet and voice-over-internet-protocol landline phone services are provided by Crocker Communications. OSHEAN, Inc. provides transport services for all internet traffic.The Town of New Shoreham owns and provides oversight of the network, including managing the vendor contracts and monitoring technical performance and quality of customer service.
Network Facts
- 53 miles of fiber optic cable plant
- 1,800 property connections
- 62 miles of underground drops
Sertex Broadband Solutions
Sertex is a leading New England fiber optic deployment expert with more than three decades of experience. After working with New Shoreham to successfully construct and operate the CAI, Sertex was chosen, through a competitive bid process with our partners Crocker Communication and OSHEAN, Inc., to build and operate the BroadbandBI fiber-to-the-home network. Sertex crews have worked on the island since 2021 constructing the aerial and underground fiber network, installing drops, and implementing core network electronics. In addition to having responsibility for network operations and maintenance, Sertex is also responsible for scheduling, installing and activating subscriber services.
Learn more about Sertex
Crocker Communications
Located in western Massachusetts, Crocker Communications has over 50 years experience providing communications services, and over 20 years providing Internet access services. Crocker was selected to provide all direct customer support and billing for BroadbandBI. Crocker will respond to all service-related issues and coordinate with Sertex and OSHEAN as needed to troubleshoot and resolve each issue, whether it impacts a single service location or several. If onsite maintenance is required, the appropriate resources will be scheduled and dispatched.
Learn more about Crocker
OSHEAN, Inc.
OSHEAN, Inc. (Ocean State Higher Education Economic Development and Administrative Network) delivers carrier-class optical transport, advanced IP-based networking, and innovative cloud solutions to Community Anchor Institutions and the communities they serve. OSHEAN creates trusted connections for peer-to-peer interactions that lead to more efficient, effective, and collaborative information technology environments.
Learn more about OSHEAN