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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Parole Granted to Pittsfield Man Sentenced for Killing Toddler Son

Staff Reports
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — A city man serving a life sentence for killing his 2-year-old son 43 years ago has been granted parole. 
 
According to the Boston Globe, the Parole Board on Monday voted to release Richard N. Mayes Jr., 78, to a halfway house.
 
Mayes was charged with beating his son to death in 1983 when he wouldn't eat. The child, Lawrence Richon, had received blows to his head, body, arms and legs. Mayes also told police he'd hit his son four times with a plastic baseball bat. 
 
According to media reports at the time, Mayes tried to resuscitate Lawrence when he later collapsed and cried to police that he did it when arrested. 
 
The boy was taken by life flight to Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston, where he died from blood clots in his head. 
 
Mayes was found guilty of second-degree murder by a Superior Court jury and sentenced to life in state prison.
 
According to the Globe, Mayes had been denied parole five times previously but told the board he had been sober for three decades and had not had a disciplinary report in a dozen years. 
 
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