HAWLEY — The Florida, Hawley, Monroe and Savoy (FHMS) broadband buildout moved into the fourth phase of a five-phase plan in December, and officials are focusing on connecting residents as quickly as possible.

According to FHMS Broadband Network Committee Chair Kirby “Lark” Thwing, Phase 3 was completed on Dec. 18, building the necessary infrastructure in Hawley on Forget Road near Sidehill Farm, Stetson Road, West Hawley Road near Savoy Road, Forge Hollow Road and near 129 East Hawley Road. Other sites within Hawley have been operational for a few months now.

“We’re signing people on and connecting them as fast as we can,” Thwing said.

Phase 4 infrastructure was expected to be completed by the end of 2020.

Thwing said previously that the total cost for the four-town broadband network, which uses Massachusetts Broadband Institute (MBI) funding, is estimated to be roughly $2.4 million. So far, the network has connected 172 homes.

Once Phase 4 infrastructure is up, the project will focus on the Borden Mountain site, which Thwing noted has seen a more complicated permitting process.

“We are also seeking permission from Heath to install a pole there to provide service to the northeastern corner of Dodge Corner (Road),” Thwing wrote in a notice to Hawley residents in December. “Once all planned infrastructure is up, we will focus on installations and system tweaking to maximize our service capability and reliability.”

Those looking for a broadband connection are encouraged to contact Kate Albert at WiValley, the internet service provider assisting with the network development. Albert can be reached at kate@wivalley.net or 603-546-7204. Leave a name, address, city and phone number or email address for a return message.

Residents are asked to contact OTELCO, a telecommunications holding company that has partnered with the four towns for the broadband buildout, at 1-833-683-5261 for technical support. Staff can also be contacted through a “chat” function on the company’s website, otelco.com.

Zack DeLuca can be reached at zdeluca@recorder.com or 413-930-4579.