Press Releases

Commonwealth, Charter Finalize Agreement to Deliver Broadband to Hinsdale, Lanesborough, West Stockbridge

WESTBOROUGH – The Baker-Polito Administration announced today a $1.6 million grant to Charter Communications to upgrade and extend broadband access in the unserved communities of Hinsdale, Lanesborough, and West Stockbridge. As of today, Charter launches Spectrum Internet service to existing customers in these three communities. The Commonwealth grant supports this upgrade of Charter’s existing TV-only cable network to an all-digital network capable of delivering digital television and broadband to roughly 80-90 percent of existing households and businesses in the three communities. The Commonwealth grant will also support the extension of broadband and digital television service to an estimated 440 households in Hinsdale, Lanesborough, and West Stockbridge that are currently without any broadband or cable television service.

MBI Announces Grant to Support Construction of Mount Washington’s ‘Last Mile’ Broadband Network

BOSTON – Thursday, June 30, 2016 - The Commonwealth of Massachusetts has approved a grant to the Town of Mount Washington to support the construction of a ‘Fiber to the Home’ network that will deliver broadband access to the town’s residents. The grant of $230,000 from the Massachusetts Broadband Institute at MassTech (“MBI”) will help construct a fiber-optic network that will pass 96% of residences in the town.

Commonwealth, MBI Announce Grant for Middlefield Wireless Pilot Project

BOSTON – Wednesday, June 8, 2016 – The Commonwealth of Massachusetts has approved a new grant to the Town of Middlefield to aid in the launch of a wireless pilot project designed to help the town address its broadband Internet gap. The grant of $129,082 from the Massachusetts Broadband Institute will fund costs associated with the town’s preferred solution for broadband under the pilot program.

Baker-Polito Administration Announces New Implementation Framework for Last Mile Broadband Projects

BOSTON – Tuesday, May 10, 2016 – The Baker-Polito Administration met with municipal broadband leaders from across Western Massachusetts today to discuss a new framework for evaluating and advancing Last Mile Broadband projects in communities unserved or underserved by high-speed internet access. The dialogue centered on a flexible, responsive and community-based approach to prioritizing affordable and sustainable solutions to the broadband service challenges facing the Commonwealth’s 44 Last Mile communities.

Baker-Polito Administration Announces New Leadership Team for Last Mile Broadband Project

BOSTON – Thursday, May 5, 2016 – The Baker-Polito Administration announced today the appointment of two new senior staff members, charged with leading the Last Mile Broadband Project for communities un- or underserved by high-speed internet access in Western Massachusetts.

Leverett Highlights Impact of Municipal Broadband Network at Launch Event

LEVERETT – Friday, October 2, 2015 - Citizens, elected officials, and executives from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts gathered today in Leverett, Mass., to celebrate the launch of the LeverettNet municipal fiber-optic broadband network, a new infrastructure project that offers gigabit-level Internet connectivity to every home and business in the town.

Governor Patrick Signs Legislation To Support Investments In Massachusetts' Technology Infrastructure

BOSTON – Wednesday, August 6, 2014 – Governor Deval Patrick today signed H. 3770, “An Act Financing Information Technology Equipment and Related Projects,” which expands opportunity and access for all Massachusetts residents by making targeted investments in the Commonwealth’s technology infrastructure, including increasing access to broadband for underserved areas of the Commonwealth.

Construction, Turnover Complete on New 1,200 Mile Fiber Backbone for Western and Central Massachusetts

February 18, 2014 - The Massachusetts Broadband Institute at the Massachusetts Technology Collaborative (MBI) recently completed construction and testing of MassBroadband 123, a 1,200-mile fiber-optic network bringing high-speed Internet access directly to 1,200 key facilities in more than 120 western and central Massachusetts communities. MassBroadband 123 is a critical component of the Commonwealth’s strategy to invest in innovation infrastructure in order to create growth and economic opportunity in every corner of the Commonwealth.

MassBroadband 123 “Middle Mile” Network Construction Nearing Completion

August 5, 2103 - The Massachusetts Broadband Institute (MBI) at the Massachusetts Technology Collaborative has announced an updated project schedule with final milestone tracking for communities within the MassBroadband 123 network, which is targeted for completion in late 2013. MassBroadband 123 is a 1,200-mile fiber-optic network that will bring high-speed Internet access directly to over 1,200 key facilities in more than 120 western and central Massachusetts communities.

One Year Anniversary of MassVetsAdvisor.org Celebrated

June 26, 2013 - State officials and Veterans’ advocates today celebrated the one year anniversary of MassVetsAdvisor.org, a first-in-the-nation web portal that offers enhanced access to services and support for Veterans living in the Commonwealth.