April 1 - June 30, 2012
Broadband Mapping:
- Updated the state wireline and wireless availability maps and the online Massachusetts Broadband Map.
- Collected new and updated information on existing broadband services at Community Anchor Institutions (CAI) during planning workshops.
- Released a Request for Proposals (RFP) and received proposals for application development for address data development, standardization and mapping.
- Requested updated availability and middle mile data from broadband service providers for June 2012.
- Regional Planning Agencies (RPA) updated cable and DSL availability maps based on feedback from communities in the Berkshire, Pioneer Valley and Central MA regions.
Broadband Planning:
- WesternMA Connect (WMC) supported planning of four CAI workshops held in Western and Central MA in May to highlight the benefits and uses of high speed broadband access and the MassBroadband 123 fiber optic network.
- WMC continued to provide broadband technology briefings to towns and community organizations.
- WMC and the RPAs continued to provide wireless bylaw planning support to towns as requested.
- WMC and the RPAs deployed surveys to town managers about town broadband use and needs, including digital literacy training.
Veterans Web Portal:
- Developed content and conducted quality assurance reviews of the web portal.
- Launched the Mass VetsAdvisor portal on May 25 with Lt. Governor Timothy Murray, Attorney General Martha Coakley, and Department of Veterans’ Services Secretary Colman Nee.
- Promoted the portal through radio, newspaper and online media.
- Showcased the portal at 12 post-launch Veterans’ events.
Community Development Corporation (CDC) Grants:
- Executed contracts with all four CDCs to receive grants for technical assistance to small businesses and non-profit organizations.
- Held an award ceremony with Lt. Governor Murray to announce the grants.
- Held a project kick off meeting with the CDCs.