Connecting Western Massachusetts

Recipients:
Berkshire Connect and Pioneer Valley Connect

Amount:
$300,000, awarded in June 2006

Cluster/Region:
Communications/Pioneer Valley and Berkshires

Overview:
As is well understood by the legislators representing Western Massachusetts, one-third of the communities in Franklin, Hampden, Hampshire and Berkshire counties lack any broadband access. Another one-third have only marginal broadband access. This investment, a joint award to Berkshire Connect and Pioneer Valley Connect, seeks to pilot solutions and ultimately achieve a true broadband solution for this entire region.

Outcomes: The project has examined the cost of creating sub-regional networks and determined the level of public funding needed to attract private investment to deploy and maintain networks throughout the region. Eighteen applications were received and three applicant communities have been selected for tests of competing wireless technologies, with the promise of using these technologies for both short- and long-term solutions. By creating a solution to the inadequate broadband services in Western Massachusetts, the project will help to remove a major barrier to economic development to growing the region’s economy. A public-private solution to broadband deployment in the region will enable entrepreneurs and firms in Western Massachusetts to have the full capability to grow the businesses and create the high-wage jobs associated with the Commonwealth’s Innovation Economy.

The Innovation Institute’s values for collaboration in the pursuit of public-private solutions were demonstrated effectively at the local, regional and state levels. Local stakeholder groups, private sector telecommunications companies, regional planners, economic development leaders, elected officials and Innovation Institute staff have worked elbow-to-elbow in an effort to build a basis for a sustainable, marketplace solution.

Websites: Berkshire Connect and Pioneer Valley Connect