Massachusetts poised to address
inequities in broadband access
Governor Patrick unveils plan for $25 million Broadband Incentive Fund to bring affordable access to high-speed Internet to un-served communities in the Commonwealth
Legislature now considering proposed broadband bill filed by Governor
Plan calls for investments in technology-neutral, public-private partnerships to build necessary infrastructure.
The Map Showing Broadband Availability for Massachusetts municipalities paints a picture of stark contrasts of “haves” and “have nots.” Sixty-three towns in Massachusetts—about one out of every five municipalities—have partial, limited access to broadband services, and an additional 32 towns have 
no access at all. Despite technological advances, many communities in Massachusetts still lack the necessary infrastructure that would enable them to reap the benefits of high-speed Internet connectivity.
On October 18, 2007, the Patrick Administration filed legislation to address these inequities. The legislation, entitled “An Act Establishing and Funding the Massachusetts Broadband Institute,” aims to ensure affordable and available broadband access statewide. Read more >>
Gillett, broadband expert, chosen to lead state's Department of Telecommunications and Cable
Momentum builds for robust telecommunications infrastructure and competitive, affordable broadband marketplace throughout the Commonwealth
 |
| Sharon E. Gillett |
Gov. Deval Patrick’s appointment of Sharon E. Gillett to head the new MA Department of Telecommunications and Cable is one of a series of promising developments on the broadband connectivity front.
Gillett, who is a principal at Victory Research, had previously served as chair of the Broadband Working Group and principal research associate for the Communications Futures Program at MIT. She also served as a member of the Boston Wireless Task Force, a group established by Mayor Thomas Menino to develop plans for a wireless network serving Greater Boston.
Two months earlier, on August 2nd, Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick announced his intent to file this legislation, which would create a $25 million Massachusetts Broadband Incentive Fund. The proposal envisions that the fund will make investments to finance public-private partnerships to build the necessary infrastructure to ensure that all un-served communities in Massachusetts have access to fast, affordable, ubiquitous broadband services. Read more >>
