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Latest News & Updates - 2010
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Broadband Coming to Western Massachusetts!
Last month’s announcement of the federal funding award to the Massachusetts Broadband Institute (MBI) for their MassBroadband 123 fiber-optic network was great news for western Massachusetts. With over $70 million to spend on fiber infrastructure over the next three years, the MBI is excited to move forward.
The MBI and WesternMA Connect invite you to learn about the next steps in the project, ask your questions, and join in the process. Mark your calendars and plan to attend one of three informational meetings being held in September.
Please RSVP by September 1st to Erin O’Connor at broadband@masstech.org or 508-870-0312 ext. 1630. Be sure to specify which meeting you will attend.
Wednesday, September 15, 2010, Northampton High School, Auditorium, 380 Elm Street, Northampton, MA 01060, 7:00pm – 9:00pm
Wednesday, September 22, 2010, Nessacus Regional Middle School, Auditorium, 35 Fox Road, Dalton, MA 01226, 7:00pm – 9:00pm
Thursday, September 30, 2010, Mount Wachusett Community College, North Cafeteria, 444 Green Street, Gardner, MA 01440, 7:00pm – 9:00pm
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Phone Service Quality in the Western Massachusetts
Presently, the Massachusetts Department of Telecommunications & Cable (DTC) is conducting a regional investigation of Verizon telephone service quality in western Massachusetts. By state and federal law, the DTC has regulatory authority over telephone and cable industries. However, it is important to note that due to the federal Telecom Act of 1996, the DTC does not have regulatory authority over broadband services. More information about the DTC investigation is available on its website at www.mass.gov/dtc.
The DTC website recommends that if you have a problem with your phone service, first contact Verizon at 888-382-6500 to report the problem. Then, if Verizon is not able to resolve your issue, report the problem to the DTC’s Consumer Division at 800-392-6066. The DTC uses this information to assist in resolving consumer problems as well as to monitor overall phone service quality.
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Kerry, Olver, Neal, McGovern, Patrick Announce $45.5 Million to Bring Broadband to Western MA
On July 2, 2010, Senator John Kerry and Congressmen John Olver, Richard Neal and Jim McGovern, together with Governor Deval Patrick announced that the Massachusetts Broadband Institute (MBI) will receive $45.5 million for investment in broadband technologies for 123 underserved or unconnected towns in Western Massachusetts. The federal funding comes as part of the National Telecommunications and Information Administration’s (NTIA) Broadband Technology Opportunity Program (BTOP), which is funded through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. This investment represents the culmination of years of work out of the Governor’s office and state legislature in cooperation and consultation with federal officials.
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MBI Seeks Additional Broadband Mapping and Access Funds
The Massachusetts Broadband Institute (MBI) announced on July 1, 2010 that is is applying for more than $5 million in federal funding under the State Broadband Data and Development Grant Program (SBDD).
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MBI Issues Request for Proposal for Broadband Network Operator
On June 22, 2010, the Massachusetts Broadband Institute (MBI) issued a request for proposal (RFP) to qualify and select the broadband network operator for its proposed western and north central Massachusetts fiber-optic network.
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Governor Patrick Supports MassBroadband 123 Application
In a letter dated April 29, 2010 to the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), Governor Patrick indicated his support for the Massachusetts Broadband Institute's (MBI) Round II federal stimulus application entitled MassBroadband 123.
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Senator Kerry On Net Neutrality
On a recent post, Senator Kerry laid out what's at stake in the battle to ensure Internet consumers are protected, users and content are not discriminated against, and broadband service is universally affordable and available.
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MBI Submits Round II Application for Federal Broadband Infrastructure Funding for Western MA
On March 25, 2010, the Massachusetts Broadband Institute (MBI) submitted an application titled "MassBroadband 123" that requested over $45 million in federal funding to construct a middle-mile, fiber network in western Massachusetts. Thank you to everyone who submitted a letter of support for this application. The compelling stories describing the challenges encountered due to the lack of broadband access and the many opportunities broadband access would avail underscored the importance of this application.
WesternMA Connect submitted a letter of support and attached to it a timeline depicting its efforts for more than a decade, demonstrating the longstanding inequity of broadband access in the region.
For a complete description of the MBI project and to view maps of the proposed network, go to www.massbroadband.org or contact the MBI at 508-870-0312.
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March 31 st & April 1st Public Hearing for DTC's Investigation into Verizon
As part of the Massachusetts Department of Telecommunications & Cable (DTC) investigation of Verizon telephone service quality in the Western Massachusetts region, the DTC held public and evidentiary hearings on March 31st and April 1st at the Northampton City Hall. At the start of each day of the hearings, the public had an opportunity to make a statement. For more information, contact DTC Hearing Officer Kalun Lee at Kalun.Lee@state.ma.us.
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National Broadband Plan & How You Can Provide Information
"Broadband is the great infrastructure challenge of the early 21st century."
On March 16th, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) published its National Broadband Plan. The Plan recommends specific policies and actions that, if undertaken by government, propose to encourage greater innovation and investment, and result in greater access, affordability and use of broadband across the country. The complete Plan or individual chapters may be viewed on www.broadband.gov.
Dead Zones, Broadband Speed, and Your Story
The FCC has developed ways for citizens to voluntarily provide information about the status of broadband in your community. Called the Broadband Dead Zone Reporting Form, the FCC is collecting address-level data to help identify unserved areas in the United States. The FCC is also hosting an online test of broadband quality and speed called the Consumer Broadband Test. The data collected by participants will help the FCC learn about the state of broadband in the country and will be used to build a map of national broadband availability. In addition, the FCC has an online form to submit concerns and share stories about the need for broadband.
For more information about the Plan or other FCC initiatives, go to http://www.broadband.gov or http://reboot.fcc.gov, or the FCC may be contacted by telephone at 888-CALL-FCC (888-225-5322).
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Western Massachusetts Round I Applications for Federal Broadband Funding
The Massachusetts Broadband Institute (MBI) and the Franklin Regional Council of Governments (FRCOG) were informed late January that their Round 1 western Massachusetts applications for federal broadband grants for were not successful.
Public Computer Centers and Sustainable Broadband Adoption
Options for Round II applications for public computer centers (PCC) and sustainable broadband adoption (SBA) were diligently explored by Connect, the FRCOG, Round I application partners and other stakeholders. Based on an examination of the new federal program guidelines, an assessment made of statements by the federal funding authorities and a review of Round I awards, and due diligence by regional partners, there was consensus that a PCC or SBA regional application for Round II would not be pursued. There was agreement that the MBI’s application for federal infrastructure funding was of utmost importance to the region and that it was important for the federal funding authority not to view other western Massachusetts applications as competition to the MBI’s application. In addition, it was agreed that the projects and collaborations identified through this funding application process are very promising and would be of great benefit to the region. Monitoring for additional funding opportunities will continue, as will communication, as appropriate.
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DTC Competition Status Report
The Massachusetts Department of Telecommunications & Cable (DTC) has completed its first Competition Status Report. The Report examines wireline and wireless voice and video services in the Commonwealth. (Please note that the Report does not specifically address broadband, internet or data services, since the DTC does not have regulator authority over these services.) The Report’s assessment of the competitive landscape (in terms of availability, adoption, and geography) well documents several key challenges that impact access to broadband in western Massachusetts. By conducting this evaluation, the DTC has created a valuable tool for access equity advocates and policymakers. To view the report go to www.mass.gov/dtc and select “Competition Status Report” under Publications.
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Municipal Broadband Forum Held
On February 3, 2010, a municipal broadband forum was held in Northampton, MA at the Northampton High School. This event was coordinated by the Massachusetts Broadband Institute (MBI), WesternMA Connect, the Berkshire Regional Planning Commission, the Franklin Regional Council of Governments, the Pioneer Valley Planning Commission and the Executive Office of Housing & Economic Development. The purpose of this forum was to establish a framework of collaboration with municipal decision-makers and local broadband advocates for the goal of facilitating broadband deployment in the western Massachusetts region. New MBI Director, Judy Dumont, gave an overview of past accomplishments and current activities; outlined the principles of the MBI infrastructure network strategy; introduced the recently awarded federal broadband mapping and planning grant; explained how municipalities can support efforts to improve broadband access in their community and the region; reviewed 2010 strategies using state bond funds; emphasized that the MBI will seek federal broadband funds from Round II; and announced the creation of a “Community Advisory Task Force”. A panel “Question & Answer” session gave the audience an opportunity to voice their concerns and ask questions. View PowerPoint presentation.
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Massachusetts Broadband Institute (MBI) Submits Recommendations to the FCC
On January 8, 2010, the MBI sent a letter to the FCC providing recommendations for assisting state broadband organizations achieve their broadband goals through measures that do not require additional federal funding or legislation.
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