As with heat, electricity and water, in-home broadband access is the fourth utility that must be available for students to learn and thrive, many adults to do their jobs, businesses to remain nimble and competitive, seniors to take advantage of telehealth options, and a host of endless useful applications. In other words, affordable and reliable broadband access is a necessary component of life in the modern world.
Eight towns in Franklin County (Charlemont, Colrain, Leyden, New Salem, Northfield, Orange, Warwick, and Wendell) chose to work together to produce a regional digital equity plan. These small, rural communities have a number of digital equity issues similar to communities throughout the both Franklin County and Massachusetts. However, there are also unique issues related to the rural nature of these towns, variations on connectivity within this region (fiber connections, cable with different providers, as well as one town with fixed wireless), and capacity at the municipal level for assistance. This digital equity plan examines the current areas of the digital divide in the 8 rural communities, and explores options to provide digital equity for all residents.
Please review the plan and provide feedback before July 1st by calling or emailing the Community Development Department at communitydevelopmentdir@townoforange.org, or 978-544-1105 ext. 6.
