Mass Broadband Starting Fiber-Optic Installation In Adams

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.

Friday Afternoon Fire Destroys Cheshire Barn

By Tammy Daniels iBerkshires Staff
04:40PM / Friday, April 03, 2026

 

CHESHIRE, Mass. — A fire on Friday afternoon destroyed a barn at 920 Sand Mill Road.

 

The building is a total loss but firefighters were able to prevent the flames from reaching another nearby barn and the house at Stoney Brook Farm. 

 

Fire Chief Thomas Francesconi said the fire was called in 12:39 p.m. by the homeowners "but it already had a foothold before they noticed it."

 

Responding firefighters found the L-shaped structure fully involved. Adams, Lanesborough, Savoy and Windsor fire companies responded and Williamstown Fire covered the station.

 

The tankers were used to transport water from a nearby brook until a pool could be set up near the scene and water pumped into it. 

 

Northern Berkshire EMS responded and one firefighter was treated at the scene and then taken to Berkshire Medical Center. 

 

Francesconi said there were no other injuries but the owners told him there were 18 chickens in the barn. The structure also had equipment and other materials in it, including a Jeep.