From Holyoke's master plan (pdf):
Issue 12 - Capitalizing on Holyoke’s fiber optics infrastructure Holyoke’s dam gave the city a competitive edge for attracting mill development in the 19th century. Today, development is fueled by the city’s superior access to transportation. Tomorrow, access to the information superhighway will be what matters — and Holyoke is ready. Holyoke Gas & Electric recently installed state-of-the-art fiber optic telecommunications infrastructure throughout the city, giving it capabilities most often found in considerably larger urban areas. But utility deregulation and the competitive nature of the telecommunications industry make taking advantage of this asset a time-sensitive issue.
Response: Aggressively market the city’s fiber optic capabilities.
Marketing Holyoke’s telecommunications capabilities should be part of a comprehensive program covering Holyoke’s complete package of utilities and the advantages and savings it can offer. Recommendations for utility marketing include:
• Creating materials for distribution to and use by commercial Realtors and property owners and managers.
• Coordination with citywide promotional efforts, such as the Chamber of Commerce marketing group, the Office of Economic and Industrial Development, and public relations activities of the mayor’s office.
That was nine years ago.
If HG&E was able to bond to get the money they needed to buy the Dam, then I don't see why they can't do the same for the long term investment needed to cover the cost of fiber deployment. Someone needs to stand up and make an executive decision here -- or -- maybe someone already has, and buried the project.
Nine years since the master plan was published. Has anyone heard anything from HG&E on fiber deployment? I would like to know who is making decisions here.
4 comments:
The HG&E did in fact build a fiber optic network. At least 9 years ago. Several private businesses use it along with all the schools being interconnected via the network, Holyoke Hospital, Holyoke Community college and most city owned buildings use teh network to access the internet.
I should have been more clear on my question. They did build out the fiber rings before the master plan report 9 years ago. But the build out I am referring to is called last mile. Why don't they aggressively offer it to every home and business in town?
I believe the back of every HG&E bill has an ad for HGE.NET I am not to sure how many individuals would pay the $125.00+ per month bill to have fiber to their door step. I do know that many businesses have been contacted about the service and it is part of teh packag taht new businesses are advised of when teh city is trying to get them to move to Holyoke.
HG&E may have invested in fiber nine years ago, but they have done NOTHING since. Every year, while competitors offer higher bandwidth for lower prices, HG&E offers the same bandwidth for a higher price. They are losing business broadband revenue and aren't doing anything about it. I don't understand what their business plan is around this incredible resource. They're letting it die slowly and I don't know why.
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