Project Update

Colrain Broadband Update – December 13, 2021

A summary of where we are in the project . . ..

(NOTE: If you have specific questions regarding the project, please send them to info@colrainbroadband.net or leave a message by calling (413) 624-3454, then press #.)

LATEST NEWS:

• As of this morning we have over 630 subscribers to Colrain Broadband. Almost all have been connected.
• If you signed up for service recently, or plan to do so in the coming winter months, please be aware that if you have an underground service to your home the installation will very likely need to be delayed until the ground thaws in the spring.
• Please revisit the Drop/Install Policy on this website. There is a clarification regarding the costs covered by the allowance. As of November 1, 2021 the allowance offered by the Town to cover some of the costs of a connection was reduced to $650. We will continue offering an allowance as long as we are financially able.
• With the increasing number of users, we have doubled the bandwidth available to the subscribers. That means that even during times of very heavy usage, delays in uploading and downloading files and streaming will rarely occur.
• The next major step in building our network is to enhance the reliability of the service in case there is a break anywhere in the fiber route. We will be making additions to the way connections are made to our internet providers so that the system has redundancy. Generally, that means that if there is an interruption of the fiber route carrying our signals, then automatically a second backup route is available.
• Colrain Broadband customers can apply for Emergency Broadband Benefit Program. Currently Colrain Broadband and WCF offers the Emergency Broadband Benefit, a new Federal Communications Commission (FCC) program. The temporary benefit will offer a $50 discount for broadband service for eligible households in all Massachusetts towns served by Whip City Fiber during the on-going COVID-19 pandemic. More information at whipcityfiber.com/colrain.
• We have resumed visiting homes with underground connections. We need to determine the cost of the connection and whether it is fully covered by the drop/installation allowance. (Most homes will be fully covered.) You will be contacted if a site visit to your home is necessary.
• A virtual information session was conducted on March 24^th. It offered a presentation of the Colrain Broadband services and included a chance for any and all questions. Over 90 callers participated. If you missed the event, call customer service at 413.485.1251. They can provide a link to a recording of the event.
• The website that you’ll use to sign up for service is online at https://www.whipcityfiber.com/colrain/. Approximately 70% of our residents have already signed up and are receiving service. No reason at all to delay.

We are aware of a regional bank that has worked with residents in other Hilltowns with financing of the excess over the allowance. The contact information is Jason Niles, 413.449.4697, jniles@berkshirebank.com. Please note that there might be other such sources for help that we are not aware of and that the Town of Colrain is not endorsing any provider nor is it a party to any resulting financing arrangement.