July 1 - September 30, 2011
Broadband Mapping:
- Reports and verification maps were sent to service providers to review their December 2010 data and new June 2011 data were collected.
- Targeted phone surveys and Web research were conducted to add and remove broadband service providers from the Massachusetts list.
- Cable and Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) community verification pilot projects were completed in the Franklin and Montachusett regions and preparations were made to roll out the project to additional communities in the Berkshire, Pioneer Valley and Central Massachusetts regions.
- Availability, network interconnection and Community Anchor Institution data were submitted to the National Telecommunications and Information Administration on September 30.
Broadband Planning:
- WesternMA Connect (WMC) and the Regional Planning Agencies (RPA) are continuing development of a bylaw toolkit that will include sample bylaws and Frequently Asked Questions for the communities in their regions.
- WMC held a workshop to educate the RPAs on wireless broadband technologies and how they are impacted by zoning regulations.
- Set up outreach meetings in western and central Massachusetts, including a joint broadband and e-health event for the Berkshire medical community held in September and a series of 8 community meetings to take place this fall, to discuss the deployment of broadband in their communities.
Veterans Web Portal:
- A web developer was selected to build the portal.
- Development of a training curriculum for the portal has begun.
Community Development Corporation (CDC) Grants:
- Developed an Request For Proposal to be released next quarter to select CDCs to provide sub-grants and technical assistance to small businesses and non-profit.