Gateway Fiber Internet Service Coming to Pittsfield

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PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Ultra-high-speed fiber internet provider Gateway Fiber is bringing new internet service to residents and businesses in Pittsfield. 
 
The new 100 percent fiber-optic network will be faster and more reliable than traditional cable and telephone-based internet, representing the company's continuing commitment to bringing better connectivity to the area.
 
"We are pleased that Gateway Fiber has chosen to invest significantly in bringing fiber to the home to the residents of Pittsfield," said Pittsfield Mayor Peter M. Marchetti. "Now more than ever, our residents need reliable and affordable internet service to work, to learn, for healthcare, and to stay connected. We welcome Gateway Fiber as they move forward with their plans to improve digital equity by providing Pittsfield residents with a choice when it comes to their internet provider."
 
The company started construction of the network in Northampton this fall and will begin more network buildout in Gardner by the end of the year, with plans to expand service into other nearby cities in 2025.
 
Massachusetts state representative Tricia Farley-Bouvier, who represents the Pittsfield area, echoed Marchetti's sentiments. 
 
"I am pleased that Gateway fiber is entering the Pittsfield market," said Farley-Bouvier. "For far too long, people have not had a choice of providers. Competition is good for the consumer, and I hope that this will lead to lower cost and better services for the people of Pittsfield."
 
Gateway's network expansion will benefit residents and businesses with access to a new 100 percent fiber-optic network that delivers reliable, multi-gig symmetrical internet speeds far superior to cable, 5G, or telephone-based internet. Symmetrical speeds allow for faster uploads and downloads and less lag, especially when uploading large files, video streaming, or playing online games.
 
"Pittsfield residents and businesses will soon have access to an ultra-fast, ultra-reliable fiber-optic infrastructure like they've never seen before," said Sarah Lang, Gateway Fiber's Massachusetts General Manager. "Fiber internet can transform a community, with faster connectivity and more reliable service that can change the way everyone interacts online. We rely on the internet to be there when we need it, like other utilities. Gateway's network delivers that reliability."
 
Growing its services into these new cities also continues Gateway Fiber's commitment to investing in western Massachusetts by creating local jobs and supporting the local community, according to a press release.
 
Residents will be kept up to date as construction begins and moves along with door hangers informing them of the progress and how to reach Gateway Fiber with questions.
 
Gateway Fiber provides flat-rate, month-to-month pricing with no fees, contracts, installation charges, or surprise rate hikes. The provider also includes whole-home Wi-Fi and outstanding customer service, nearly 70 points higher than the industry average.
 
Residents and businesses interested in Gateway Fiber services can visit gatewayfiber.com to learn more, sign up, or receive construction updates.
 
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Lanesborough Selects Assistant Building Inspector

By Breanna SteeleiBerkshires Staff

LANESBOROUGH, Mass. –— The Select Board appointed an assisting building director on Wednesday.

Tim Sears submitted his resume to the board and said he heard about the position and reached out to Building Commissioner Brian Duval.

"It can be a tough position. And if you followed recent activities here in Lanesborough, I'm not stating the obvious, but can you talk a little bit about because you've done the work before, right?" asked member Michael Murphy.

Sears started as a housing inspector in Pittsfield and then became building commissioner there and a health official. He was also director of buildings and grounds for the Mount Greylock Regional School District. He currently works at AC Wood Contracting.

"I've had a lot of experience, and as someone who's in the construction industry, also, it can be challenging. If Brian knows someone, or if I know someone you know, we have to excuse ourselves and be very forthright about that," he said. "But in the end, the building code is a little different from some of the other code enforcement and law enforcement, where we have to be able to write down what the violation is, so it either is or isn't. You can't really, oppress someone because you need to write it down. You have to cite the code. So I think it's just very black and white.

"The challenge can sometimes be, you know, if a town feels a certain way about certain subjects, then my attitude has always been to look through the code to try to find a way to make something happen." 

Sears said he has already talked with the owner of AC Wood Contracting and would be available to do an inspection during the day if needed.

The board moved to appoint Sears as the assistant building inspector.

In other notes, Town Administrator Gina Dario reminded the board of the joint meetings with the Finance Committee, which is something they are doing for the first time. Department heads will be invited to the meetings to go over their budget proposals to keep residents as informed as possible before the annual town meeting.

Monday, March 2, is the first joint meeting.

"We're always just trying to be as transparent as we can as we go through this kind of the crux of the budget season for the next three months, as we approach town meeting," Dario said.

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