Massachusetts Governor pledges $50 million for Western MA broadband

Gov Charlie Baker (R-MA) said his administration would commit $50 million to expanding broadband in Western Massachusetts. The governor said his administration would commit the funds from existing capital allocations to close “the digital divide” between Greater Boston and the western part of the state. According to Baker’s office, 45 towns in Western Massachusetts don’t have broadband and must rely on DSL or dial-up. “Despite the current budget deficit, the Baker-Polito Administration remains committed to investing in our regional economies, and creating partnerships that empower communities to be great,” said Housing and Economic Development Secretary Jay Ash in a statement.