COLRAIN — The town is edging closer to building its broadband network, after the Selectboard approved a contractor to construct the fiber-optic system on Tuesday.
The network is expected to break ground in January of 2020, according to Municipal Light Plant Manager and Town Coordinator Kevin Fox.
The contractor, Sertex LLC, has been chosen to build the broadband network for $1.2 million, Fox said. The network is being designed by Westfield Gas and Electric.
The town will now begin preparing to build the system by ensuring the 2,000 poles in Colrain are ready to receive fiber-optic cables.
Next up, the town will solicit an internet provider to manage the system.
Fox said he anticipates residents can sign up for broadband in a few months, either by late summer or early fall.
The next Broadband Committee meeting is June 4 at 3:30 p.m. at the Colrain Town Office.
Reach Grace Bird at gbird@recorder.com or 413-772-0261, ext. 280.