As a member of the Hybrid-Wireless Working Group (HWWG) and the Hawley Communications Committee, and also as an alternate delegate to WiredWest, I fail to see the need for us all to become polarized over the issue of fiber versus wireless. It’s not an “Either-Or” proposition.
It’s very simple. Fiber is clearly superior in those areas where it is usable and affordable. And wireless is clearly better in those areas where cost is a severe, limiting factor. Yet assuming acceptable levels of performance, both fiber and wireless are a heck-of-a-lot better than nothing for western Massachusetts.
So let’s not waste a lot of time arguing about it. Many towns will be all fiber. Others will be all wireless. And then there will be some – because of their special mix of terrain, finances and polka-dot population patterns — that will be a combination of both.
So be it. Let’s build it!
Rick Kean
Hawley