Mass Broadband Starting Fiber-Optic Installation In Adams
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ADAMS, Mass. — The Massachusetts Broadband Institute has arrived in Adams.
Around town, large coils of wire can be spotted on utility poles in preparation for the installation of broadband to nearly all public buildings. The MBI has been in charge of using $85.3 million in federal and state funds to bring broadband to every community in the state.
Recently, Gov. Deval Patrick attended a ceremony earlier this month to "light up" the first section of what will become the backbone of the network. Now, Axia, the contractor installing the fiber optics, has reached Adams.
"We're going to seeing major broadband installations to most of our public buildings starting at the end of this month and into May," Town Administrator Jonathan Butler said at Wednesday's Board of Selectmen meeting.
While the backbone will only connect public buildings, Butler said Axia can be contracted by large businesses to hook up their networks, too. He asks that any business interested in it contact his office to start that process.
The hookup to public institutions is what MBI officials call the "middle mile"; the "last mile" would be to individual homes and businesses. After this portion is completed, MBI believes other Internet providers will finish the final mile. Patrick has proposed funding of about $40 million to help that portion.
Adams is currently fairly well served with high-speed Internet but Butler says the fiber-optic line being installed will be an improvement.
In other business, the Selectmen approved designating 43 Printworks Drive, a building in the Industrial Park, as an economic development area.
Butler said there has been recent interest in that building but the designation is expiring. The move allows the town to offer tax incentives for a new business.
The Selectmen said they have discussed the prospective tenant in executive session but did not disclose any further information.
Also, the Selectmen approved entertainment licenses for the Adams Ale House at East Hoosac Street and for the Parish of Pope John Paul for the Polanka Grounds on Mill Street.
The town has also advertised the police chief job and the deadline for applicants in June 15.
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