Broadband Update – October 19, 2021

BLANDFORD BROADBAND – DEADLINE FOR FREE INSTALLS

We are approaching the completion of construction of the Broadband Network in Blandford. After October 29 you may not qualify for a free fiber connection to your home.

If you have not yet signed up, either for service or a “cold drop” (fiber to home, but no service), please go to www.whipcityfiber.com/blandford and do so now! Remember, an internet connection to the home increases its value.

In addition, there are two monthly benefit programs available for qualified customers.

  1. Federal Lifeline Subsidy: $9.25 credit on your bill
  2. Emergency Broadband Benefit Program: Temporary program offers a $50 discount

Details and applications for these programs are available on the WCF website. If you have any questions, please contact us at [email protected] or call Peter at (413) 505-9086.

Current status: Construction is nearing completion in the last area (FSA05). Following that, Sertex tests the connections, and then turns the network over to WCF for additional testing. After that is completed, customers will receive a call from WCF or Triwire to schedule the installation. At this time, we are estimating that all customers will be connected by the end of November/beginning of December.

As of October 19, there are 610 current or potential premises in Blandford. 510 (84%) are signed up. 307 (50%) are activated or scheduled.

Broadband Update – May 10, 2021

High-speed internet is now available for residents to use at the Fiber Hut – 4 North Blandford Road.

Similar to Town Hall, you can sit in your car, as long as you do not interfere with the Sertex crew testing the fiber. However, this connection is MUCH faster than what you would find at Town Hall and is a good preview of the type of speeds you can expect to see once broadband is rolled out to residents.

There is still no specific date for FSA04 go-live, but we will post an update as soon as we know. After Sertex completes testing the lines, then home installations will begin.

Broadband Update – April 27, 2021

Construction is progressing well on our Broadband Network. Sertex is testing the fiber in FSA04 (North St, Chester Rd, N Blandford Rd areas), and is installing fiber and MST’s in FSA01 (Woronoco Rd and Main St areas). Additional work has also been started in FSA02 and 03. In addition, the “Middle Mile” connection from the Town Hall to the Hut will be completed this week. This connects the actual internet from Boston to Springfield to Westfield to Blandford.

Triwire crews have started to install underground services where identified (first in FSA04). Underground service is a three-step process: Initial contact, Dig Safe to check the utilities, and then digging the trench and laying conduit. When the overhead 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.

The order of construction and estimated go-live dates are: FSA04 – Spring 2021, FSA01 – Summer 2021, FSA03 – Summer 2021, FSA02 – Fall 2021, FSA05 – Fall 2021. (see the map here – hover for details)

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 TA and COA chair have obtained a grant to cover the $99 activation fee for homeowners ages 65 and over.

In order to try and contact all premises, we are sending e-mails to all homeowners whose age is unknown to us, or who have chosen a “cold drop” (that is, not opted for the $85/month service). We are also sending postcards to homeowners who have not yet signed up. If you fall into one of these categories, and have questions, please see the contact information below.

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 75%.

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