NICHOLS, N.Y. — Work has concluded on the $7.5 million fiber build out for internet access in the town of Nichols in Tioga County.

The work was part of the state’s ConnectALL initiative, with the state, Tioga County, Town of Nichols, and the Southern Tier Network (STN) all involved, per the announcement from Tioga County.

The total project cost included the required power utility upgrades, fiber build, and customer installations.

“Nichols residents now have access to 38 miles of fiber, passing by nearly 800 homes and businesses,” Ben Rydzewski, STN operations manager, said in a news release. “To date, over 350 residents have taken advantage of the new infrastructure.”

ConnectALL, the state’s broadband department, chose the Town of Nichols as one of four communities to roll out the initiative “with the expressed purpose of connecting fiber to the unserved and underserved population.”

Additionally, the Tioga County and the Town of Nichols dedicated American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds needed to complete the build out.

FiberSpark, the internet service provider (ISP), has partnered with STN to provide services on the Nichols Fiber Network. However, the open access model of STN allows for any ISP to connect to the fiber, Tioga County said.

STN is actively working to bring more ISPs on board, which will “allow for a competitive environment thus driving more competitive pricing and options” for residents and business owners to choose from, the release noted.

“The project has provided the availability of directly connecting the residents, businesses, library, and County sites to the newly constructed fiber optic network,” Jeff Gasper, CEO of STN, said.

The public is invited to attend an “It’s a Wrap” pizza party on Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Nichols Fire Hall. The event will include the sharing of final project data along with information on how Nichols residents may continue to sign up to receive fiber in their homes.