By mid-summer, residents and businesses in Haverhill will gain access to high-speed internet over fiber, giving them an alternative to existing providers like Comcast. Ripple Fiber, a company based in Charlotte, North Carolina, is finalizing a contract with Mayor Melinda E. Barrett to enter the Haverhill market. Stephen Maher, Ripple’s director of governmental affairs, announced that the installation of wires from existing utility poles is expected to begin in June, with service becoming available on a rolling basis.
Maher explained that as soon as the company runs the necessary wires in front of a residence, residents will have the opportunity to sign up for service. In a significant commitment to the community, Ripple will also provide free high-speed internet to all municipal buildings in Haverhill, including schools and City Hall, as part of the agreement. Additionally, Ripple plans to open an office in Haverhill, further cementing its presence in the area.
This development comes following the abandonment of a competing project by Canadian-based Breezeline, which had previously planned to invest between $28 million and $30 million in Haverhill. That venture was approved in September 2022 but ultimately fell through.
Ripple is already operational in certain parts of Holden and West Boylston, and plans to expand its coverage to Merrimac soon. While specific areas for construction in Haverhill have not yet been chosen, the company anticipates connecting approximately 10,000 homes through its fiber network. Securing necessary permits for underground wire installation in locations without utility poles is part of Ripple’s ongoing preparations, and they are actively negotiating agreements with Verizon, which owns the majority of utility poles in the city.
Christine Lindberg, the chief of staff to Mayor Barrett, indicated that another fiber optics provider, Go Net Speed, has also shown interest in offering services in Haverhill. Lindberg emphasized the importance of competition in the internet market, noting that residents have long felt constrained by Comcast’s dominance. She stated, “More and more we are hearing people want high-speed internet at a reasonable cost for streaming.”
City Council Vice President John A. Michitson expressed enthusiasm over the news, calling the entry of Ripple Fiber and Go Net Speed a pivotal advancement for Haverhill. He highlighted that improved internet access is crucial for economic growth, education, and maintaining competitiveness in an increasingly digital and AI-driven world. He also noted the importance of ensuring that every neighborhood benefits from this investment, asserting that equitable access to high-speed internet is an essential infrastructure need, not merely a luxury.
Ripple’s pricing structure offers a variety of packages, starting at $40 per month for speeds of 640 megabits per second. The company provides higher-speed options, including a one-gigabyte package for $85 a month and an eight-gigabyte plan for $120 a month. Established in 2021, Ripple Fiber currently services several states including Arkansas, Colorado, Florida, Illinois, Michigan, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Washington, in addition to its anticipated expansion in Massachusetts.
