Our existing internet infrastructure is obsolete and expensive. The dramatic increase in internet traffic – particularly bandwidth-heavy multimedia applications – exceeds the speed limits of DSL and the capacity limits of satellite and cellular systems. Verizon plans to phase out DSL in favor of more expensive cellular.
The substandard nature of the internet infrastructure in Western Massachusetts today disadvantages our businesses and institutions, our workers, our students, our medical professionals and their patients, our health and safety efforts, and our governments. In turn, that affects the vitality of our communities. Our ability to attract top talent, foster new businesses, and keep young people in our communities is compromised. Property values are depressed and homes don’t sell.
The average Western Massachusetts household pays about $3,000 annually for internet, phone and television to out-of-state corporations – at higher rates and for inferior service compared to others in Massachusetts. Building a state-of-the-art, regional, fiber optic network, accessible and affordable to all, cooperatively owned and locally operated, would fundamentally change the prospects for our communities.
However you look at it, there is a critical need for improved internet infrastructure in Western Massachusetts and the potential contribution to our region is significant.