Nearly 400 residents of Hinsdale plunked down deposits of $49 half a decade ago, hoping that little investment would bloom into high-speed internet service.
Broadband concerns put private providers in spotlight
Published: 2/18/2021 12:31:45 PM
BOSTON In a pandemic that has forced many aspects of daily life online from work to school to doctor’s appointments efforts to build out broadband infrastructure still face challenges, with private providers hesitant to invest in some unserved areas and lawmakers calling for the internet to be treated more like a public service going forward.
“There is no way that the state has done enough to close the gap, the digital divide in the commonwealth that used to apply mostly in our minds to rural and underserved areas,” Sen. Adam Hinds, D-Pittsfield, said. “And now the emergency of the digital divide in our downtowns is even more apparent.”
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Warwick receives $450,000 for broadband network
Warwick, Massachusetts is located in the northeast corner of Franklin County and has a current population of 780 residents. RECORDER STAFF/SHELBY ASHLINE
Published: 12/15/2016 6:32:20 PM
WARWICK To support an upgrade of Warwick’s town-owned wireless network, the Massachusetts Broadband Institute recently approved a $450,000 Last Mile program grant to the town.
Warwick Broadband Committee Chairman Tom Wyatt said the funds will be used to replace existing transceivers with relay equipment between towers and residences. Upgrading and expanding the existing system which serves nearly 200 customers is the best option for the town, he said.
“As far as Warwick is concerned, it’s good news,” Wyatt said. “It allows us to expand and upgrade our current wireless internet system to reach the state-required high speed of 25 megabits, which is substantially faster than anything we offer now. We’ll be utilizing LTE technology.
The Baker-Polito Administration announced three new programs to boost internet connectivity statewide, including a subsidy program to assist job seekers in the MassHire system that are facing a technology barrier.
In addition, the Massachusetts Broadband Institute (MBI) at the MassTech Collaborative will expand a WiFi hotspot program statewide, delivering free high-speed access points to Gateway Cities, helping expand internet accessibility in areas hard-hit economically by the COVID-19 pandemic. The programs are part of the $774 million economic recovery plan announced by the Administration in October, which designated $9.2 million for an expansion of internet access programs. Gov. Charlie Baker, Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito, administration officials, and private partners made the announcement during an event held in Springfield.