DCR Fire Towers

Department of Conservation Fire Tower Agreement

The MBI worked closely with the state Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) to utilize existing fire towers to expand wireless broadband services in western Massachusetts.

The MBI awarded the use of three fire towers to two Internet service providers, WiSpring of Great Barrington and AccessPlus of Byfield. WiSpring and AccessPlus will increase wireless Internet service availability to over 850 residences in Lenox, Richmond, Savoy and Tyringham.

In 2010, the MBI and DCR entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to allow 47 fire towers across the state to be used for broadband infrastructure.

By providing access to existing fire towers, the MBI has reduced the cost and time required to deploy broadband infrastructure. Wireless broadband is one of the many technologies that will be used to provide Internet access to western Massachusetts.

The MBI anticipates awarding additional towers in 2011.  If you have questions about the DCR Fire Tower program or are interested in using a DCR fire tower to deploy broadband please contact the MBI.  

Please see the list of available fire towers is available here.