Construction continues on our Broadband Network. There have been about 17 days lost due to weather, and Verizon and Eversource “make-ready” issues. However, the issues are being addressed, and now that the weather is improved additional crews are working. Sertex continues to work in FSA04 (North Street, Chester Road, North Blandford Road areas), and has recently started stringing strand and fiber in FSA01 (Woronoco Road and Main Street areas). Recognizing the importance of the project, the Commonwealth has recently authorized additional resources for Blandford and other towns to help speed up the construction process.
With better weather, we should start to see Triwire crews in town to install underground services where identified (first in FSA04). When the fiber has been installed and tested by Sertex, then Triwire will be able to begin installing the fiber to your home. They will contact the homeowner to schedule an appointment.
There are five Fiber Service areas in Blandford. The Fiber will be installed area by area. When one area is completed, then the “Fiber to the Home” will be able to begin. Prior to this, people will be asked to sign up for service. The Town will cover all “drop” costs up to $10,000 per drop. This covers about 99% of the properties. In addition, our Town Administrator and Council on Aging chair have obtained a grant to cover the $99 activation fee for homeowners ages 65 and over.
With a free connection to your home, including equipment, there is every reason to sign up now! Please encourage your friends and neighbors to sign up if they have not already done so. We are currently at 73%.
Finally, we can actually say that Blandford will have High Speed Internet THIS YEAR! Starting in mid-spring, fiber to the home installations will begin. However, they will not come to your house unless you have signed up, either for service or a “cold drop”. The current expectation is for FSA04 to be active by late May/early June. Estimated release dates are noted on the Blandford map when you sign up.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Whip City Fiber at 413-485-1251 or Peter at 413-505-9086.
SIGN UP NOW: www.whipcityfiber.com/blandford