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Broadband
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Broadband Public Hearing
On Thursday, February 14, an excellent public hearing was held at the Statehouse to hear testimony on the broadband bill, House No. 4311, An Act Establishing and Funding the Massachusetts Broadband Institute. It was standing room only as Chairman Mark Montigny recognized the western Massachusetts delegation for its diligence in bringing to the attention of the committee the broadband challenges faced by their constituents and he also acknowledged the work done by Berkshire Connect and Pioneer Valley Connect. Testimony was presented by Governor Patrick; Rep. Kulik; Rep. Guyer; Sen. Downing; Rep. Pignatelli; Rep. Bosley; Housing and Economic Development Secretary Daniel O’Connell; Telecommunications and Cable Commissioner Sharon Gillett; Administration and Finance Undersecretary Jay Gonzalez; Berkshire Connect President Don Dubendorf; and Pioneer Valley Connect Co-Chair Linda Dunlavy. A special thanks to those western Massachusetts citizens who took time to attend the hearing and give such compelling personal testimonies.
Connects Testimony
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Governor Patrick Testimony
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Senator Downing Testimony
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Commissioner Gillett Testimony
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VERIZON ANNOUNCES DSL EXPANSION
On February 28, Verizon announced plans for DSL deployment in Western Massachusetts. The Connects welcome and are encouraged by any network expansions from the incumbent broadband service providers that reach into the unserved areas of Western Massachusetts. While we recognize that DSL technology is a reliable broadband service, we are also aware of the technical limitations that limit deployment of this technology especially in the rural environment. We look forward to a more detailed description of the planned expansion including timelines and anticipated coverage areas. At the same time, it is important to understand that the proposed DSL deployment does not solve the problem for many unserved citizens and businesses. This announcement does not change the need for legislation for broadband to all areas of Western Massachusetts and the Commonwealth.
News Release |
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REGIONAL BROADBAND SURVEY
The purpose of this survey is to gather information about broadband (high speed internet) services in Western Massachusetts. This survey will take less than 5 minutes to complete. Please submit only one survey per household and/or one survey per business address. Thank you for your time and assistance. The survey deadline has been extended to April 30.
Downloadable Survey and
Online Survey
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CONNECTING WESTERN MASSACHUSETTS
The efforts of Berkshire Connect and Pioneer Valley Connect to achieve the deployment of advanced, affordable broadband services into unserved areas of this region.
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Governor Patrick's REDRAFTED Broadband Bill
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Frequently Asked MBI Questions
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Governor Patrick's Broadband Bill
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MA Broadband Institute & Fund - Executive Summary (as published by the EOHED)
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Connects' Reaction to an Act Establishing and Funding the Mass. Broadband Inst.
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Regional Broadband Survey Press Release
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Connects Update - November 2007
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Map of Broadband Availability in MA Municipalities (prepared by JAII of MTC)
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Broadband Bill Filed -- Press Release
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Broadband Availability Database
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Project Overview
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JAII Grant Award
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Why is broadband important?
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Town hall connectivity needs in Western Massachusetts
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BETA TEST PROGRAM
The goal of this program is to evaluate the process and technologies to create wireless networks in un-served/underserved areas of Western Massachusetts. Questions about this effort may be directed to Maggie Bergin, Project Manager, at maggieanne@mac.com.
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Photos of Connects Beta Test Program Network Elements
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Program Overview
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Program Timeline and Updates
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New Salem Hotspot Guidelines
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Florida Hotspot Guidelines
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Worthington Hotspot Guidelines
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Program FAQs
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Finalists Announced
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Semi-finalists Chosen
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Press Release
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MUNICIPAL BROADBAND TOOLKIT
Resources to be used by municipal governments and local broadband groups to encourage and support broadband deployment in their un-served and underserved communities. Additional tools will be posted as they become available. The Connects would appreciate your feedback regarding these tools, so that they may be revised and improved over time.
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Telecommunications Terminology
Are you confused by telecom jargon? Check out our general glossary of telecommunications terminology.
click here
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Community Infrastructure
The purpose of this questionnaire is to gather information about potential assets or obstacles that could impact future telecommunications infrastructure deployment in your community. Topics reviewed include: the basic telecom network, right of ways, utility poles, cell towers, mast antenna locations, cable routes, etc.
Currently under development
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Municipal Building Inventory
This telecom inventory form is intended to be an internal document to help local governments quantify their current and future telecom needs. The Connects suggest that the local governmnet work through this inventory in collaboration with their local broadband group, if one exists. Often local broadband groups can acccess local residents who have the technical expertise to help.
Currently under development
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Wireless 101
A broad overview of wireless broadband technoogy, its potential uses, and its inherent challenges,
click here
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BROADBAND FORUMS
The leadership of Berkshire Connect, Inc. and Pioneer Valley Connect held a series of forums about broadband technologies, challenges and opportunities in Western Massachusetts.
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Berkshire "Broadband 101" Forum - 11/29/06
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Berkshire "Underserved Communities Project" Forum - 1/18/07
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BROADBAND & WIRELESS LEGISLATION
In June 2006, legislation was passed in an effort to increase access to high-speed, affordable and reliable broadband services across the Commonwealth.
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Legislation Summary
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Economic Stimulus II
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BROADBAND INITIATVE FUNDING REPORT
Funded by the John Adams Innovation Institute (JAII) of the Massachusetts Technology Collaborative (MTC), the purpose of this study was to identify potential grant and loan funding sources that might be available to facilitate the deployment of broadband telecommunications services in underserved communities, particularly in Western Massachusetts.
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Broadband Initiative Funding Report
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Funding Attachment A
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Funding Attachment B
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PILOT PROJECT: UNDERSERVED COMMUNITIES
A pilot project study conducted to address how to bring affordable, replicable broadband to underserved communities in western Massachusetts.
click here
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GAO study examines broadband deployment in rural areas
Findings released May 5, 2006. In August 2005, with the assistance of the Massachusetts Technology Collaborative (MTC), Berkshire Connect participated in the review process and hosted a panel discussion with the GAO team. Berkshire Connect is noted in the findings on page 27.
click here for study
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BOSTON WIRELESS TASK FORCE
The Boston Wireless Task Force was charged by Mayor Menino to develop a methodology for creating ubiquitous, wireless telecommunications in Boston.
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Final Report
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Wireless Boston - Overview
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A presentation of the Boston Wireless Task Force Report
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MEASURING BROADBAND'S ECONOMIC IMPACT
Prepared for the U.S. Department of Commerce, Economic Development Administration, February 2006
click here
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