WesternMA Connect, Inc. will continue the Connects' mission to create an advanced telecommunications landscape that will provide affordable, reliable, and redundant high capacity broadband services throughout Berkshire, Franklin, Hampden and Hampshire counties in Western Massachusetts. 

Over the past decade, each of the Connect organizations has led efforts to encourage the deployment of infrastructure and access to broadband services for businesses, governments, and residents in unserved areas.  A formal collaboration in 2005 allowed the pursuit of several key studies and projects.  One of the these efforts led to key findings that were reflected in the state broadband legislation that enacted the Massachusetts Broadband Institute (MBI) and $40 million Incentive Fund in August 2008. 

As a non-profit organization, WesternMA Connect is led by a five- member Board of Directors that includes Berkshire Connect President Donald Dubendorf and Pioneer Valley Connect Co-Chair Linda Dunlavy.  WesternMA Connect is staffed by Chief Technology Officer Chip Brodeur and Business Manager Sharon Ferry, with consultant services provided by Jessica Atwood of the Franklin Regional Council of Governments.  A website for WesternMA Connect is in development.  Until completed, this current website and www.bconnect.org will continue to be utilized.