Fiber Goes Live in Otis!

From WWLP.COM

http://www.wwlp.com/dpp/news/local/berkshire/new-broadband-network-launched-in-otis-will-serve-central-and-western-mass

 

Updated: Thursday, 04 Apr 2013, 12:48 PM EDT

Published : Thursday, 04 Apr 2013, 12:06 PM EDT

OTIS, Mass. (WWLP) – Governor Deval Patrick was in Otis on Thursday morning to light the first section of a new 1,200 mile fiber-optic network that will bring high-speed Internet access to parts of central and western Massachusetts.

The event was held at the Farmington River Elementary School, which will be connected to the network, which is called MassBroadband 123.

The network will provide Internet connections for more than 120 Massachusetts communities.

22News reporter Laura Hutchinson was there, and will have details on the project on 22News starting at 5.

FIBER GO LIVE! (exciting stuff)

EXCITING!
fiber2

As some of you may know MBI has posted the roll-out calendar for Community Anchor Institutions (CAIs) fiber “go-live” date.

March starts us off!

If you are a CW/Mars member:

  • Please contact CW/Mars with your questions.  This includes any Internet Service Provider(ISP)-related questions.

If you a MassCat Member OR not a CW/Mars member:

  • Please contact us at the Massachusetts Library System (MLS) with any questions you may have!
  • You will be receiving an email from me requesting certain information as we prepare your library.
    • The email will arrive prior to your month of install.  Please respond to the email so we can assist you.
  • You may wish to review the current ISP choices in your area to fully utilize your fiber connection.  To see a current list of ISPs that have Presented at the MBI information sessions, please follow this link  http://broadband.masstech.org/sites/mbi/files/documents/broadband-availability/ma-broadband-service-provider-list.pdf.
  • It is a great time to find the ISP that may offer services, best price, equipment, etc. for your library needs.  Make sure the ISP knows what you see for the future of your library!

If you are a library listed below, MLS is working with MBLC and ISPs regarding choices and pricing.   We will keep you posted on any developments as they become available.  Please contact MLS with questions.

 

Becket Athenaeum Becket
Bryant Free Library Cummington
Egremont Free Library Egremont
Grace Hall Memorial Library Montgomery
Lanesborough Public Library Lanesborough
Hinsdale Public Library Hinsdale
Leroy Pollard Memorial Library New Braintree
Middlefield Public Library Middlefield
Mount Washington Library Mt. Washington
Nahant Public Library Nahant
Peru Library Peru
Phinehas S. Newton Library Royalston
Porter Memorial Library Blandford
Robertson Memorial Library Leyden
Russell Public Library Russell
Sandisfield Free Public Library Sandisfield
Shaw Memorial Library Plainfield
Tolland Public Library Tolland
Tyringham Free Public Library Tyringham
Tyler Memorial Charlemont
Windsor Free Public Library Windsor
Worthington Library Worthington

Making the Rounds!

Happy post holidays to everyone.  I hope you enjoyed whatever season you celebrate.

Currently, I am making the rounds to the final libraries  for assessments.   The next step is plotting out some of the trainings required.  Keep an eye on the MLS website for updates!

The third step will be visiting those libraries that will need a new wireless access point.  These small libraries will have WAPs installed to prepare them for the coming fiber.

Keep your eye out for my Ford Fiesta as it zooms around the state!

 

 

MLS MBI In the Media

As the MBI Project becomes more and more of a reality, information is being disseminated in many different ways.   Recently we were asked to participate in a local television spot regarding MBI and Libraries. (discussion of library specifics begins around 11 minutes in)
The TV Spot will be shown on area local stations (community channels).

We hope you enjoy it!

 

AXIA MassBroadband123: Broadband Expansion into Western Massachusetts: