Western Massachusetts

The Act establishing and funding the Massachusetts Broadband Institute sets forth objectives for the MBI. The statewide action places special emphasis on addressing the needs of Western Massachusettsplan for accomplishing the objectives of ultimately bringing broadband access to all unserved citizens.

Action Plan

• Assess existing broadband conditions in communities with no or partial coverage
• Inventory state and local government services that can contribute resources or benefit from broadband
• Increase availability of broadband for homes, businesses, and government users
• Amplify goals 1-3 by competing for and securing federal broadband stimulus funding

Detailed Phased Approach for Western Massachusetts

• “Call for Solutions” (RFI) Process
  Fall 2008; 27 responses
• Developing plans for short-term solutions
  3-6 months
  • Primarily wireless technology
• Developing processes for longer-term solutions
  6-24 months
  
  • Conduit and fiber builds in state rights-of-way
  • Tower access
  • Informational engagement with industry
  • Design procurement strategy and process
  • Compete for and secure federal broadband grant funds