GREENFIELD — Town Council voted unanimously Wednesday night to borrow $5 million to establish a telecommunication system, which would allow the town to move forward with plans to form its own Internet and telephone business.

Designated legally as a “Municipal Light Plant,” the business would allow residents to subscribe to the services for a relatively low cost. Mayor William Martin said the loan for the system will be at no cost to the taxpayer, since it will be paid for by revenue derived from the service’s users.

Council Vice President Isaac Mass said he was skeptical when he first heard the idea, but supported it wholeheartedly during the meeting, saying it was the easiest vote he’s ever taken on the council.

“This is the most innovative thing we have done for economic development in the entire time I’ve lived in Greenfield,” he said. “This will not only pay for itself, but will support the municipal budget and reduce costs for taxpayers while keeping rates for users lower than what they currently pay.”

Corinne Fitzgerald of Fitzgerald Real Estate also voiced support for the service during the public comment section of the meeting, saying she believes it will be an economic stimulus for Greenfield, helping to attract both businesses and new residents.

Since October 2015, the town has been piloting a free Wi-Fi program called GreenLight on Main Street, from Elm Street to High Street and up High Street to the police station. Martin said it will take about 10 months to completely build out Greenfield with an 80- to 100-mile fiber-optic network, featuring 750 to 1,000 access points so that residents can get Internet access no matter where they live.

Once the build-out is complete, the free downtown Wi-Fi will disappear. The service is projected to cost $9.95 per month for the mobile plan and $29.99 per month for home service. It will offer customizable speeds from 25 megabits per second up to gigabit speeds.

Daniel Kelley, president of Kelley Management Group Inc. in Wilbraham, the town’s consultant for the project, said those who opt for home service will receive a wireless receiver and an in-home wireless access point. He added the plans will most likely be month-to-month, meaning residents will not have to sign a contract.

You can reach Aviva Luttrell at: aluttrell@recorder.com
or 413-772-0261, ext. 268
On Twitter: @AvivaLuttrell