October 1 - December 31, 2011
Broadband Mapping:
- Availability data was corrected and re-submitted to the National Telecommunications & Information Administration (NTIA) on October 7.
- The state wireline and wireless availability maps and the online Massachusetts Broadband Map were updated.
- Data feedback reports were prepared for service providers.
- Community wireline data verification projects were kicked off in the Berkshire, Pioneer Valley and Central Massachusetts regions.
Broadband Planning:
- WesternMA Connect (WMC) supported an extensive seven stop community outreach tour geographically distributed across Western and Central MA to meet with communities and discuss broadband planning.
- WMC and the Regional Planning Agencies (RPA) selected four model communities to assist in developing wireless broadband facilities zoning bylaws, to facilitate the siting of wireless broadband infrastructure.
- Comprehensive last mile and cost benefit analyses were performed to identify and characterize the underserved areas in Western and Central MA and determine the most appropriate technologies for last mile deployment in those communities.
Veterans' Web Portal:
- A model was created and tested for the wording and structure to describe veterans' benefits. Over 70 MA Veterans Services Officers, veterans and veterans' family members participated in testing.
- Drafts of the web portal's underlying structure, organization and visual design were developed.
- Work began on a marketing plan, including meeting with the Red Sox Foundation, a key project partner.
- Interviews were conducted with key project participants to identify portal training curriculum needs.
Community Development Corporation (CDC) Grants:
- A competitive Request for Applications solicitation was issued in December, with the assistance of the MA Association of Community Development Corporations, to select CDCs that will provide sub-grants and technical assistance to small businesses and non-profit organizations