To the editor:
After years of complaining about our internet speeds and/or, for some, the inability to get internet due to a large installation fee, it is time to act.
Berkshire County residents are invited to participate in the national Broadband Equity Access & Development (BEAD) Challenge to determine the speed of your internet, which is also a test of whether you are getting the speeds you are paying for, as well as identifying underserved areas and areas with no service at all. Results may provide state/federal funding to areas needing improvement. Also, if you have not been able to afford the internet installation charge, there is a way to challenge this.
For Sheffield residents, click here and download the Step-by-Step Guide or watch for it in your Transfer Station mailing. Or click here and start your Challenge.
If you are one of those who have either gotten a written or verbal quote to install internet service and it has been more than you can pay, document this in an email to BRPC at digital@berkshireplanning.org and let them see if they can submit a Challenge for you; individuals may not submit their own challenges. It may be an opportunity to resolve this issue for you.
However, time is of the essence. You have until July 20 to complete everything, and I urge you to start now as you may have to take three consecutive daily speed tests. If you wait until July 20 to start this Challenge, you will likely run out of time. Why not do it now?
Rene Wood
Sheffield
NOTE: Rene Wood is Sheffield’s liaison on the BEAD Challenge.
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