SPRINGFIELD, MA (WSHM) -
More than two years ago, Massachusetts received $4 million in federal funds to give reliable internet service to all communities across the Commonwealth.
On Friday, the city of Springfield celebrated two local businesses that are now using Mass. Broadband 123, a new and affordable internet service.
Massachusetts Broadband Institute honored Matt Crocker, president of Crocker Communications, for his company being the first customer on the new Mass Broadband 123 network.
"I'm excited to be the first," said Crocker.
Crocker Communications is the largest internet provider based in Western Mass, and he said that many of his customers have already started to show an interest in the new and affordable service.
"We've had a great response from our existing customer base, and really good response from potential new customers," Crocker said.
This affordable and high-speed internet service will serve 123 communities in Central and Western Mass.
Schools, libraries and medical facilities also have been included on this list of places that will get this service.
In fact, Health New England, a Springfield-based company and one of Crocker's customers, has already started to use the high-speed access.
Peter Straley, president and CEO of Health New England, told CBS 3 that the quality of his company's service to patients in the area will improve because of this service.
"This is the backbone that provides the reliability and the certainty that if you appear in the emergency room we can call that up, and get an accurate look at what went on," Straley said.
Springfield's Mayor Domenic Sarno also told CBS 3 that this will help create jobs in the city.
"This adds to the economic vitality of the city of Springfield... Fiber optic network adds economic development and creates jobs. So, it's another tool in the tool box… in the tool belt for the city of Springfield," Sarno said.
Mass. Broadband 123 will be finished and operating at full capacity by June 2013.
Copyright 2012 WSHM (Meredith Corporation). All rights reserved.
FOX19-WXIX
