Gateway Fiber Internet Service Coming to Pittsfield

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PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Ultra-high-speed fiber internet provider Gateway Fiber is bringing new internet service to residents and businesses in Pittsfield. 
 
The new 100 percent fiber-optic network will be faster and more reliable than traditional cable and telephone-based internet, representing the company's continuing commitment to bringing better connectivity to the area.
 
"We are pleased that Gateway Fiber has chosen to invest significantly in bringing fiber to the home to the residents of Pittsfield," said Pittsfield Mayor Peter M. Marchetti. "Now more than ever, our residents need reliable and affordable internet service to work, to learn, for healthcare, and to stay connected. We welcome Gateway Fiber as they move forward with their plans to improve digital equity by providing Pittsfield residents with a choice when it comes to their internet provider."
 
The company started construction of the network in Northampton this fall and will begin more network buildout in Gardner by the end of the year, with plans to expand service into other nearby cities in 2025.
 
Massachusetts state representative Tricia Farley-Bouvier, who represents the Pittsfield area, echoed Marchetti's sentiments. 
 
"I am pleased that Gateway fiber is entering the Pittsfield market," said Farley-Bouvier. "For far too long, people have not had a choice of providers. Competition is good for the consumer, and I hope that this will lead to lower cost and better services for the people of Pittsfield."
 
Gateway's network expansion will benefit residents and businesses with access to a new 100 percent fiber-optic network that delivers reliable, multi-gig symmetrical internet speeds far superior to cable, 5G, or telephone-based internet. Symmetrical speeds allow for faster uploads and downloads and less lag, especially when uploading large files, video streaming, or playing online games.
 
"Pittsfield residents and businesses will soon have access to an ultra-fast, ultra-reliable fiber-optic infrastructure like they've never seen before," said Sarah Lang, Gateway Fiber's Massachusetts General Manager. "Fiber internet can transform a community, with faster connectivity and more reliable service that can change the way everyone interacts online. We rely on the internet to be there when we need it, like other utilities. Gateway's network delivers that reliability."
 
Growing its services into these new cities also continues Gateway Fiber's commitment to investing in western Massachusetts by creating local jobs and supporting the local community, according to a press release.
 
Residents will be kept up to date as construction begins and moves along with door hangers informing them of the progress and how to reach Gateway Fiber with questions.
 
Gateway Fiber provides flat-rate, month-to-month pricing with no fees, contracts, installation charges, or surprise rate hikes. The provider also includes whole-home Wi-Fi and outstanding customer service, nearly 70 points higher than the industry average.
 
Residents and businesses interested in Gateway Fiber services can visit gatewayfiber.com to learn more, sign up, or receive construction updates.
 
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BRTA Announces Free Rides Extension

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Governor Maura Healey announced that Berkshire Regional Transit Authority (BRTA) will receive $699,733 for fare free service from Jan 1, 2025 through Sept. 30, 2025. 
 
The Healey-Driscoll Administration announced $30 million in grants to 13 Regional Transit Authorities (RTAs) in Massachusetts to provide year-round, fare free public transportation services. The funding was provided in the Fiscal Year 2025 budget signed by Governor Maura Healey in July and builds off of two years of successful pilot programs.
 
Customers riding the fixed route bus and/or the complementary ADA paratransit service will be fare free from Jan. through Sept. 2025. BRTA was already awarded funding to provide free rides for the 2024 Holiday season.
 
Governor Maura Healey, MassDOT Undersecretary Hayes Morrison, Greenfield Mayor Ginny Desorgher, Senator Jo Comerford, and Representatives Natalie Blais and Susannah Whipps made the announcement at John W. Olver Transit Center, which is the headquarters of the Franklin Regional Transit Authority (FRTA), in Greenfield. FRTA has been providing fare free fixed route service since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic in Fiscal Year 2020, and its board has voted to continue running fare free service every year since the pandemic. FRTA has previously used a mix of federal COVID-19 relief funding and state funding to provide this service, which will be able to continue with the support of full state funding. FRTA ridership has now exceeded pre-pandemic ridership totals. 
 
"Hundreds of thousands of Massachusetts residents rely on their Regional Transit Authorities to get to and from work, the grocery store, doctor's appointments and school. We're proud to be delivering this funding to help RTAs keep their service fare free to save money for riders and encourage more people to use public transportation," said Governor Maura Healey. "I'm grateful for the leadership of Senate President Spilka, Speaker Mariano and the entire Legislature to make regional transportation more affordable and accessible across our state." 
 
Working together, the 13 RTAs submitted a joint application to disburse the $30 million made available in the FY25 state budget based on ridership within their service areas. These RTA have been offering fare free service in recent years using federal and state funds. Now, this service will be able to continue with full state funding. 
 
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