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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Arrest Warrants Issued for Pittsfield Shooting

Staff reportsiBerkshires

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Police were granted arrest warrants for two people suspected to be responsible for the Aug. 16 shooting on Francis Avenue. 

Jason Wright, 41, and an unnamed juvenile are charged with assault and battery, discharging a firearm within 500 feet of a dwelling, and possession of a gun without an FID card or license to carry. 

On Aug. 16, near 211 Francis Ave., three individuals suffered gunshot wounds and were all transported to Berkshire Medical Center with non-life-threatening injuries. This is one of four gun violence incidents on city streets this summer. 

Police say two of the individuals who suffered gunshot wounds are the subjects of the arrest warrants.

"I first want to commend the Pittsfield Police Department on solving this case in just eight days. They, along with members of the Task Force who provided support when needed, worked around the clock to identify those responsible," District Attorney Timothy Shugrue wrote on Monday. 
 
The DA said he understands that Pittsfield remains on edge, and said he is fully committed to providing resources, including funding for overtime and State Police detective resources, to support the Pittsfield Police Department as it continues its active investigations into the June 18, Aug. 4t, and Aug. 16 shootings. 

"No stone will be left unturned. If you bring violence and guns to our county, you will be held responsible to the greatest extent of the law," he wrote. 

The first arrest warrant issued is for a juvenile. The juvenile is charged with:

  • Two counts of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, to wit a firearm
  • Attempted murder
  • Discharging a firearm within 500 feet of a dwelling
  • Possession of a firearm in commission of a felony
  • Possession of a firearm without an FID card/license to carry
  • Possession of ammunition without an FID card/license to carry

The second arrest warrant is for Jason Wright, 41, with a last known address on Woodlawn Avenue. Wright is charged with:

  • Attempted murder
  • Assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, to wit a firearm
  • Two counts of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, to wit a Firearm
  • Discharging a firearm within 500 feet of a dwelling
  • Possession of a firearm in commission of a felony
  • Possession of a firearm without an FID/LTC
  • Possession of ammunition without an FID/LTC

There have been four gun violence incidents in Pittsfield since mid-June, leaving one person dead and a total of seven injured. Additionally, a Lanesborough man is facing multiple charges for allegedly shooting a gun near homes and a road while intoxicated on Sunday. 

On June 18, a person died after being shot in the area of Tyler Street and Pleasure Avenue, and another person was injured. Following an extensive investigation, police on June 23 had an arrest warrant out for Terry Martizna, 35, on a charge of murder.

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