Massachusetts poised to address inequities in broadband access
Governor Patrick unveils plan for $25 million Broadband Incentive Fun 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 32 of those 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.
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.
Legislators from the Cape to the Berkshires have voiced strong support for the Governor’s proposal.
Senate President Therese Murray (D-Plymouth), among other things, pointed to the regional economic benefits associated with increased broadband availability in the Commonwealth. “Strengthening the broadband infrastructure on the Cape and Southeastern Massachusetts will become a critical factor in the region’s future economic success,” she said. “Now is the time to make the necessary investments.”
“Broadband is my number-one priority for this session,” said State Sen. Benjamin Downing (D-Pittsfield), whose district contains a number of the un-served communities. “Targeted public investment is the key to getting to that tipping point to bring the private sector into the equation.”
Gov. Patrick’s proposed Broadband Incentive Fund represents the first initiative in his commitment to a broader policy agenda to deliver affordable, high-speed Internet broadband connectivity Commonwealth-wide.
The goals of this initial phase, according to a Governor’s Cabinet Briefing document, are “to connect un-served communities and eliminate broadband poverty in Massachusetts” and “to support the Commonwealth’s leadership nationwide in economic development, accessible government, enhanced education, reliable public safety and high-quality, affordable healthcare.”
The announcement of the proposed Broadband Incentive Fund was made in front of the town hall in Becket, one of 31 un-served communities in Western Massachusetts.
According to Sharon Gillett, the Department of Telecommunications and Cable Commissioner, investments from the newly proposed Incentive Fund will be financed through a $25 million general obligation bond. Further, she explained:
- investments will be technology-neutral
- Investments will be in broadband infrastructure, such as fiber and wireless towers
- The Commonwealth will not be a service provider
- The Incentive Fund will facilitate deployment by private-sector operators
- The investments will spur public-private partnerships
Daniel O’Connell, the Secretary at the Executive Office of Housing and Economic Development. cited affordable access to fast, ubiquitous broadband services as a “critical component of the Massachusetts knowledge economy.”
"The objective of the new fund is bring high-speed Internet access to all un-served communities in Massachusetts by 2010, connecting every community to the 21st century," he said.
"In today’s word, any individual or community without affordable access to broadband is educationally and economically disadvantaged," said O’Connell who also praises the advocacy of state legislators and local groups such as Berkshire Connect and Pioneer Valley Connect, who for years have been studying the needs and documenting the opportunities. “The grassroots are leading this effort, and we are grateful for their advocacy.”
Don Dubendorf, chair of the Governing Board of the John Adams Innovation, praised the governor’s plan. “This represents true leadership by Governor Patrick, recognizing that the Commonwealth’s future economic strength will be defined by its interconnectivity,” he said.