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Bridging the Digital Divide

Massachusetts Broadband Institute Announces
New Community Advisory Committee
February 12, 2010

(Westborough, MA) February 12, 2010 – The Massachusetts Broadband Institute (MBI) announced during a community meeting in Northampton last week that it would form a new Community Advisory Committee to serve as the “voice of the customer” for broadband deployment in western Massachusetts.  Following discussions with numerous broadband advocates and volunteers in the region, the MBI is convening a Community Advisory Committee made up of stakeholders to ensure maximum community participation.

We plan to schedule a conference call to kick off the Advisory Committee on Thursday, February 18, 2010 at Noon.

The mission of the Advisory Committee will be developed in collaboration with those who participate, and it will adapt to changing circumstances. It is initially intended to enhance communications, promote civic engagement, consider ideas, share information and facilitate consensus. Critical input from stakeholders will help the MBI, WesternMA Connect, and the RPAs as we work together to bring affordable, high-speed broadband to unserved and underserved communities in western MA.

The Community Advisory Committee will provide the following services:

  • Represent the needs and interests of the unserved residents and businesses;
  • Meet in person and/or via conference calls with the MBI Director and/or the MBI Deputy Director and staff to share information, discuss broadband issues, provide insight into plans and feedback on MBI and Connect initiatives; 
  • Serve as the “voice of the customer” to the MBI and help communicate the MBI’s ideas and plans to the communities;
  • Provide input and support regarding the MBI’s Round 2 application for federal stimulus funding;
  • Work in conjunction with the RPAs and WesternMa Connect as informal advisory liaisons to broadband committees for the Mapping and Planning Grant. 

To ensure that the composition and role of the Advisory Committee remains consistent with state laws governing conflict of interest, participation is purely advisory and informal in nature, and it is not a policy-making body. Participants will provide guidance that will help the MBI develop policies and make sound decisions on the most effective ways to deliver broadband services to western Massachusetts. Participants will not receive compensation. 

If you are interested in learning more about the Advisory Committee, or if you have any questions, please email us at broadband@masstech.org.   


MBI

massbroadband.org


Massachusetts Broadband Institute is a division of MTC