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| I realize that faster internet service will be a boon to the area, However, it has not happened via the private sector because it was not cost effective. Will it be cost effective when financed by the taxpayer? How about a user fee user fee on the service until the "loan" can be paid back to the taxpayers. That way the region gets serviced and the taxpayers are not left holding the bag for the few. I am sure that to be able to benefit from this new faster service, the users would be happy to "pay back" the taxpayers who made it possible. Does anyone at the State or Federal level ever think in terms of who is going to pay for things? Silly question. | |
| from: M. T. Pockets | on: 07-02-2010 09:58AM I Agree (5) - I Disagree (9) |
| "The service area contains more than one million residents, over 44,000 businesses, at least 2,100 community anchor institutions (CAI), and 3,429 square miles. The middle-mile network will be within three miles of more than 98 percent of households, CAIs, and businesses. This will dramatically change the cost equation and service options for last-mile providers and allow for competitively priced residential and business-class broadband services." Does this mean that private business will now be able to service customers they would not have been able to before for cost reasons? Does this mean that we have now subsidized these "private" companies to the tune of millions of dollars to run a high speed line closer to the servicing area. These companies should at least be made to pay laying of these High Speed lines. I know they will only pass the cost onto customers, but the customers should be happy that they can finally get High Speed Internet at a premium price for sure, but at least it would then be available as a choice. Editor: The initiative is the same thinking that produced programs like the Rural Electrification and the federal and state highway systems. Those programs greatly aided businesses as well as citizens. The problem in rural communities is that the big carriers (DSL, cable) are not willing to invest millions because the return isn't big enough. Like electrification, the government is providing the main investment for communities to plug into - residents and businesses alike. Check out WiredWest for more information. | |
| from: | on: 07-02-2010 10:06AM I Agree (6) - I Disagree (0) |
| I am already paying every month for my Broadband service - now I am paying for service to others through my taxes? When I owned my own business - I invested in it's growth myself...I never asked for or received governemnt monies. It is part of capitalism. | |
| from: Abigail Adams | on: 07-02-2010 12:05PM I Agree (2) - I Disagree (8) |
| Abigail, you realize that you--and everyone else--most certainly HAVE asked for AND received governemnt monies, right? Lots of them. Unless you're the rare person who doesn't use any of the following: highways, airports, cellular communications, and the internet. Or how about the "government monies" you get in the form of interest deductions and tax benefits for things like mortgages, capital gains, etc? Or locally, things like snow plowing, court systems, enforcement of parking, zoning, or other ordinanaces. Fire protection. A prison to hold people who have broken criminal laws. Hospitals. Safe drinking water. Regulation of pollution. Yea, I'm sure you never asked for or used any of that stuff. You are right though, that stuff is "part of capitalism." It's the part that free-marketeers like to pretend doesn't exist. Editor: I agree with Publius. Abigail's argument is she already has a road to her door, so why should she have to subsidize roads to other people's doors? iBerkshires, obviously, pays for broadband. We are situated in North Adams so have access to it. People on Florida Mountain would love to pay for broadband, too, but no one will offer it to them. This investment will build a road to Florida so they can pay to have it come to their doors. | |
| from: publius | on: 07-02-2010 12:26PM I Agree (9) - I Disagree (1) |
| Welcome to the 21st century Western Mass!! Nobody bats an eye when roads, bridges, and highways are built with tax dollars. Fasten your seat belts and prepare for a ride on the information super-highway. In our increasingly wired (commerce) world information exchange becomes a requirement for participation in the new economy. This is the type of infrastructure improvements that will yield many times the benefits of the initial costs. This is a wise, far sighted, and proper use of tax dollars. | |
| from: Gus | on: 07-02-2010 01:38PM I Agree (10) - I Disagree (1) |
| I find it ironic that some residents of densely populated eastern MA protest about the broadband initiative grant, when for years their auto insurance rates were heavily subsidized by drivers in Western MA under the state's former auto insurance rate formulas. | |
| from: Chuck | on: 07-03-2010 06:48AM I Agree (5) - I Disagree (0) |
Weekend Outlook: Snow Days
Check out the events happening in Berkshire County this weekend including fundraisers, snow events, and more.
Editor's Pick
Community Free Day
Mass MoCA, North Adams
Time: Saturday, 10 to 5
Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art opens its galleries for a community celebration. Includes thematic museum tours and art-making in Kidspace and a performance by devynn emory at 4 p.m. in Building 5 to activate Jeffrey Gibson's exhibition "Power Full Because We're Different.
More information here.
Friday

Tunes for Tots
Lenox Community Center
Time: 10 a.m.
This weekly parent-child music program allows youngster to learn about instruments and move along to the beat. This is best suited for ages 1 to 5.
Registration is required at southbershirekids@gmail.com. More information here.
Common Craft Night
165 East Main St., North Adams
Time: 6 to 8 p.m.
Bring the craft you have been working on and join others to socialize.
More information here.
Murder Mystery Dinner and Show
Greenock Country Club, Lee
Time: 6 p.m.
The Lee Middle and High School travel group is hosting an '80s murder-mystery fundraiser at the club. Buffet-style dinner and active participation in the show.
Tickets are $60, and only 75 tickets will be sold. Contact travel2027@leepublicschools.net for tickets.
More information here.

Bousquet Mountain Grommie Jam
Bousquet Mountain, Pittsfield
Time: 11 a.m.
Grommie Jam is a community get-together where skiers and riders ages 16 and younger come together. Open to all with a valid lift ticket or season pass; prizes from Berkshire Bike & Board.
More information here.
Family Friendly Outdoor Adventures
Mount Greylock Visitor Center, Lanesborough
Time: 1 to 3 p.m.
Enjoy winter at Mount Greylock with hot cocoa and campfires. Also enjoy outdoor activities like snow tubing, a snowshoe walk, and a mindfulness hike along the Bradley Farm trail.
Registration is required for the walk; call the visitor center at 413-499-4262.
More information here.
Ghost Tour with Robert Oakes
Ventfort Hall and Mansion, Lenox
Time: 7 to 9 p.m.
The Gilded Age mansion hosts a tour with "Ghosts of the Berkshires" author Robert Oakes, who will lead guests through the rooms and halls of the estate, sharing tales of its hauntings.
Admission is $30 and the minimum age to attend is age 12. Reservations are required. Purchase tickets here.
More information here.

More North Adams Stories
- New Weekend Outlook: Snow Days
- North Adams Airport Commissioners Get Update on Hangar Project
- Berkshire Food Project Celebrates Record Numbers, Volunteers
- MCLA Presidential Search Stirs Plenty of Interest
- North Adams, Pittsfield Mark King Day With Calls for Activism
- North Adams Students Taste Test for Input on Lunches
New Weekend Outlook: Snow Days
Check out the events happening in Berkshire County this weekend including fundraisers, snow events, and more. click for more
North Adams Airport Commissioners Get Update on...
The Airport Commission received an update on a new hangar construction project that is expected to go out to bid in March. click for more
Berkshire Food Project Celebrates Record Numbers,...
The nonprofit organization on Tuesday celebrated its more than 60 volunteers who spent more than 8,500 hours last year feeding the community. click for more
MCLA Presidential Search Stirs Plenty of Interest
The college's search firm WittKieffer has already received 14 completed applications with another 15 expressing interest, said Trustees President Buffy Lord, and had more than 80 responses in the five days since the posting went up. click for more
North Adams, Pittsfield Mark King Day With Calls...
Wendy Penner can be found pretty much everywhere: leading local initiatives to address climate change and sustainability, championing public health approaches for substance abuse, and motivating citizens to defend their rights and the rights of others. click for more
North Adams Students Taste Test for Input on...
Pupils at Brayton Elementary got to taste test a new side dish as chef Kyle Zegel passed out cups cider-glazed carrots on Friday for the children to try. click for more
