North Central Massachusetts wants better Internet

Courtesy Crews from Shrewsbury fiber optics installer Phoenix Communications are putting in new infrastructure throughout Worcester to expand its digital networks.

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By Laura Finaldi

The North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce is calling for greater investments in its area’s Internet infrastructure, during a time where the city of Worcester is expanding its own broadband network.

The board of directors at the Chamber, which represents Fitchburg, Leominster and the surrounding areas, recently said it wants cable and broadband in the region to be deemed a “critical infrastructure,” so the state can help pay for upgrades and issue economic development grants. The Chamber also said it wants more choices in Internet service providers for residents and businesses -- which it said will lead to increased competition and faster connections in underserved areas -- and better cooperation between service providers, the business community, and the government.

The region’s major urban areas and its major industrial and commercial spaces lack adequate cable infrastructure, putting it at a competitive disadvantage, according to a press release.

“The current Internet capacity in our part of the state would not be acceptable in MetroWest and Greater Boston area,” said Roy Nascimento, the Chamber’s president and CEO.

The Chamber’s statement comes at a time where broadband is a hot topic in Massachusetts. The city of Worcester is in the process of expanding its already vast data fiber infrastructure out to over 50 of the city's schools, and to the Worcester Regional Airport. In early 2014, the Massachusetts Broadband Institute completed the MassBroadband 123, bringing a fiber optic network to over 120 underserved communities in Central and Western Massachusetts.