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Bridging the Digital Divide
Massachusetts Broadband Institute
Governor Patrick Takes Steps to Secure Federal Recovery Funding for Broadband Expansion
Unveils interactive mapping tool
with MBI Director
Sharon Gillett, elected officials at community forum in New Salem
Event news coverage MA Will Seek Federal Funds For Broadband Coverage Federal Stimulus Money Will Help
Broadband Expansion Internet access in Franklin County:
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As part of his Massachusetts Recovery Plan to secure the state's economic future, Governor Deval Patrick held a broadband development forum on May 26 in Western Massachusetts where he moved to secure federal recovery funding for broadband expansion in the Commonwealth and unveiled a new interactive mapping tool to help further the Patrick-Murray administration's efforts to bring high-speed Internet to communities across the state.
“Increased broadband availability leads to new jobs, better health care, and stronger public education services throughout Massachusetts,” said Governor Patrick. “We appreciate the strong support from civic and industry leaders, as well as citizens throughout Massachusetts as we expand broadband access in every community in the Commonwealth.”
Joined by state and local officials at New Salem Town Hall, Governor Patrick designated the Massachusetts Broadband Institute (MBI) as the "eligible entity" for broadband mapping funds available through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA).
As part of the broadband forum, Governor Patrick unveiled a new interactive mapping tool using Google mapping technology that enables users to pinpoint their homes, businesses, or schools location on a map and enter their current mode of access to the Internet. Made possible by the MBI and the Massachusetts Geographic Information System, the technology will further the Governor and Legislature's efforts to bring broadband to every corner of the Commonwealth.
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| Congressman John Olver (center) with Linda Dunlavy (left) and Governor Patrick (right) |
"It is critically important that decision makers have a clear understanding of exactly where broadband is accessible and where it is not," said Congressman John Olver. "The MBI's mapping program will provide us with the information we need to put together a thoughtful, coordinated plan of attack to ensure that all of our communities have access."
"More accurate mapping will help us to speed deployment of broadband in unserved areas of the state,” said MBI Director Sharon Gillett. “Residents, business owners, and others can now communicate directly with the MBI regarding their access, or lack of access, to broadband at the street address level, which will help us determine how to deploy broadband infrastructure and technologies.”
The MBI has also unveiled its new website, www.massbroadband.org, which details the Institute's progress on its mission to bring broadband to all homes, businesses, schools, libraries, medical facilities, government offices and other public places across our state. The new mapping tool is available through the website.