Broadband Update – March 27, 2021

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.

Read the full update and learn how to sign-up here →

Broadband Update – January 12, 2021

Construction continues on our Broadband Network. On Monday, January 11, Sertex began attaching Fiber to existing strand in FSA04. There are two crews working on Chester Road. Very soon they will begin installing strand in FSA01. Please refer to the December 20 update for go-live estimates for your area.

With free connection to your home, including equipment, there should be no reason not to sign up now. Please encourage your friends and neighbors to sign up if they have not already done so. We are currently at 67%.

Finally, we can actually say that Blandford will have High Speed Internet THIS YEAR! Starting in early spring, fiber to the house installations will begin. However, they will not come to your house unless you have signed up, either for service or a “cold drop”.

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

Broadband Update – December 20, 2020

Construction on Blandford’s Broadband Network started on November 30, with Sertex attaching the strand (or steel cable to which the actual Fiber will be attached). The Town is divided into five Fiber Service Areas (FSA’s), which can be seen when one signs up at www.whipcityfiber.com/blandford. The order of construction and estimated go-live date is: FSA04 – Spring 2021, FSA01 – Spring 2021, FSA03 – Summer 2021, FSA02 – Summer 2021, FSA05 – Fall 2021. (see the map here)

The Network is owned by the Town and we are looking for a signup percentage as close as possible to 100% (currently at 64%). The cost to have fiber and equipment to the home (drop cost) will be paid by the Town (up to $10,000). There is a one-time $99 activation fee, with a monthly rate of only $85. No payments will be required until your service is activated. Since there is no cost, we urge everyone to sign up now – at least for a “cold drop”, which does not include equipment. If one does not have a computer, or is moving, take the “cold drop” – it will increase the “curb appeal” of the property.

For those properties with underground service, after you sign up, you will be contacted by Triwire to schedule a consultation for where the fiber will be installed. They are currently working in FSA04.

There have been several challenges, the biggest of which involved our three Turnpike crossings. The Blandford MLP has weekly status meetings with Whip city Fiber and Sertex. Progress continues on a daily basis. 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 AT: www.whipcityfiber.com/blandford

Updated Changes to Broadband Information Session

NOTE: This information session is NOT for signing up for broadband.

SIGN UP FOR BROADBAND HERE →

Due to COVID restrictions and Blandford recognized as a high risk community, there will be no in-person attendance at the information session on November 7th. This means all participation will be done virtually or dial-in only.

November 7, 2020 at 10am
On your computer: Meet virtually via Teams. Visit https://www.bit.ly/blandfordbroadband to find out more information to connect virtually.
Call-in (audio only): 1-617-865-3953. When prompted, dial Conference ID 962 367 981#

QUESTIONS? Contact Whip City Fiber Customer Service at 413-485-1251.