January 1 - March 31, 2011

Broadband Mapping: 
  • Feedback reports, maps and data were distributed to service providers and new data were collected.
  • The beta version of the interactive, online Massachusetts Broadband Map was launched on February 17.
  • Pilot wireless drive study data were reviewed and plans were made for additional drive studies.
  • Cable and DSL coverage maps were created and distributed, in collaboration with the Regional Planning Agencies (RPAs), to community representatives in the Franklin and Montachusett regions and feedback was incorporated into verification data models.
  • Targeted phone surveys were implemented to collect broadband service information from town halls and libraries.
  • Data was prepared for an April 1 submission to NTIA.
Broadband Planning: 
  • RPA continues to review telecom bylaws and draft educationalmaterials to assist municipalities. 
  • They are also building databases on route conditions and existing wireless and wireline facilities to support last mile deployment.
  • WesternMA Connect (WMC) and the RPAs continue to conduct community outreach to increase awareness and engage residents, businesses and public officials in broadband efforts. 
  • A network operator meeting was held for last mile providers on March 18 and a Broadband Technology Summit for community representatives in western MA was held on March 19.
Veterans' Web Portal: 
  • A consultant was hired and is facilitating a needs assessment to develop a product requirements document for the web site. 
  • In collaboration with the Department of Veterans' Services (DVS) and the MGH/Red Sox Foundation Home Base Program, a list of veterans' organizations was compiled, e-government practitioners were interviewed and a survey was distributed to the veterans' community to identify service needs. 
  • A design session was held with participation by 50 representatives from key veterans' organizations on March 28.