CHARLEMONT — The Broadband Committee will consider whether to use underground or above-ground wiring on three town roads during its Thursday meeting.
While the meeting, which will be held at Hawlemont Regional Elementary School starting at 7 p.m., is open to the public, residents of Hawk Hill Road, Deer Run Lane and Heath Stage Terrace are encouraged to attend as the agenda concerns their properties.
According to Broadband Committee Chairman Bob Handsaker, it is more cost-efficient to install wires underground at Hawk Hill Road and Deer Run Lane, and to build utility poles at Heath Stage Terrace.
While Charlemont is behind some of its neighbors — Rowe and Ashfield began building their networks this year, for example — the town is edging closer to getting high-speed internet, planning to procure contractors later this year. The network is projected to be finished late next year, Handsaker said.
The total cost to build Charlemont’s network is $2.7 million, with the state subsidizing that cost by providing a $960,000 grant. The town approved borrowing money for Broadband a couple years ago, Handsaker said.
Charlemont will manage the network on its own, as the town left Wired West, the regional broadband cooperative, about six months ago, Handsaker said. While he declined to give a reason for this resignation, Handsaker said the town’s involvement in the cooperative “was instrumental in moving broadband forward” as it encouraged residents to sign up for internet service.
Those who made deposits to Wired West can retrieve their money by contacting the Broadband Committee at broadband@charlemont-ma.us or 413-339-0232.
Reach Grace Bird at gbird@recorder.com or 413-772-0261, ext. 280.