Cape Cod, and the outer islands of Massachusetts will be getting a new broadband network. OpenCape will provide a 300-mile open-access fiber-optic network connecting over 70 important community facilities, including community colleges, high schools, libraries, public safety facilities and other municipal buildings.
Governor Patrick has been a champion for broadband throughout the state, as CivSource previously reported, Massachusetts recently launched MassBroadband 123, a 1,200-mile fiber-optic network that will bring high-speed Internet access to underserved areas of western and central Massachusetts. OpenCape represents the next phase in the statewide expansion.
According to the Governor, broadband is a critical part of his plan to invest in education, innovation and infrastructure in order to drive growth and economic opportunity statewide. In 2010, OpenCape was awarded a National Telecommunications and Information Administration’s Broadband Technology Opportunities Program (BTOP) grant for $32 million. Through the Massachusetts Broadband Institute at the Massachusetts Technology Collaborative, the Commonwealth provided $5 million in matching funds toward the federal BTOP grant.
Open Cape is a non-profit organization created to bring affordable, broadband access to the Cape and Islands. The network also connects to Brockton and Providence, Rhode Island.
“Broadband is essential for Massachusetts to remain competitive,” said Governor Patrick, of the network.
