Former Utility Exec Appointed to Lead Vermont Broadband Push

(AP) — A former Vermont utility executive will help lead the state’s effort to expand broadband internet into underserved parts of the state.

The appointment of Christine Hallquist by Gov. Phil Scott to serve as chair of the newly established Vermont Community Broadband Board was announced Monday.

The broadband board was created through a new Vermont law intended to accelerated community efforts to achieve universal access to reliable, high-speed broadband service.

Hallquist will manage the board’s administrative budget, hire staff or contractors as necessary, make recommendations to the board for grant awards and assist Communication Union Districts in their planning, development and implementation of broadband projects.

“Expanding access to broadband is critical in a 21st Century economy, and by increasing connectivity in rural and underserved areas in every corner of the state, we will take an important step toward increasing regional economic equity,” Scott, a Republican, said in a Monday news release announcing the appointment.

Hallquist has decades of experience in the energy and utility sectors. Most recently, she worked with two northern Vermont communications districts to expand broadband. She led the Vermont Electric Cooperative from 2005 to 2018.

Hallquist ran unsuccessfully for governor in 2018 as a Democrat.

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