GoNetspeed Poised to Invest $250M in Massachusetts Fiber Optic Expansion, Advocates for Streamlined Pole Attachment Process
GoNetspeed, the Northeast’s largest independent fiber optic network builder, is making headlines with its ambitious plan to invest over $250 million in expanding high-speed internet access across Massachusetts. This landmark investment represents the company’s largest combined effort to date, bringing future-proof fiber optic infrastructure to at least 27 communities, including Haverhill, Beverly, Salem, Quincy, Yarmouth, Barnstable, and many others. The initiative underscores GoNetspeed’s commitment to bridging the digital divide and delivering reliable, high-speed internet to underserved areas throughout the Commonwealth.
However, the success of this transformative project hinges on one critical factor: the adoption of a streamlined pole attachment process. To that end, GoNetspeed officials recently testified before the Massachusetts Joint Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities, and Energy in support of two key legislative bills—H.3546 and S.2285. These bills aim to establish standardized procedures for pole attachments, incorporating One Touch Make Ready (OTMR) practices. OTMR, already adopted in neighboring states like Maine, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, Vermont, and New Hampshire, has proven to accelerate broadband deployment by simplifying and expediting the process of preparing utility poles for new fiber installations.
Why Massachusetts Needs One Touch Make Ready
Massachusetts currently faces significant challenges in its pole attachment process, which has hindered the rapid deployment of broadband infrastructure. Without a streamlined approach, delays and inefficiencies can stall progress, leaving communities without access to much-needed high-speed internet. By adopting OTMR, Massachusetts could position itself as a leader in broadband expansion, ensuring that GoNetspeed and other providers can deploy services more quickly and confidently.
“Streamlining the permitting process will allow a majority of the Commonwealth to experience high-speed internet, more provider choice, and better pricing—something that is lacking in far too many communities throughout the state,” said Richard Clark, President and CEO of GoNetspeed. “With OTMR in place, we stand ready to accelerate our construction in Massachusetts.”
An improved pole attachment process is not just a matter of convenience—it’s essential for addressing the digital divide. Underserved areas, in particular, stand to benefit from faster broadband development, but outdated regulations and inefficient processes have slowed progress. To successfully close the gap, Massachusetts must update its policies to expedite pole access, outline reasonable make-ready cost limitations, and promote construction techniques that maximize the use of existing infrastructure.
The Economic and Social Impact of Broadband Expansion
Broadband access is no longer a luxury—it’s a necessity for economic growth, education, healthcare, and overall quality of life. Yet, many consumers and businesses in Massachusetts currently face limited provider options, steep pricing, and sluggish internet speeds. Without an improved pole attachment process, the state risks losing out on millions in federal broadband funding, further delaying progress and widening the digital divide.
“A more efficient pole attachment process will be the key component to ensuring that we are able to build our network faster and more predictably, all while bringing more opportunity to the state,” said David Allen, Senior Vice President of Network Operations at GoNetspeed. “We have worked diligently to ensure that more communities throughout the Commonwealth are able to join neighboring Northeastern states in having broad access to a high-speed internet provider and more competition.”
By embracing OTMR, Massachusetts can unlock a path toward greater broadband access, fostering competition, innovation, and economic development. The benefits extend beyond individual households and businesses; they ripple through entire communities, creating jobs, supporting remote work and learning, and enhancing public services.
A Legacy of Innovation and Commitment to Connectivity
GoNetspeed’s proposed investment reinforces its reputation as a trailblazer in the telecommunications industry. With a legacy of innovation and a steadfast commitment to customer service, the company is accelerating the expansion of its fiber networks across nine states, including Massachusetts. Currently, GoNetspeed provides service to Amherst, Easthampton, Granby, Ludlow, and Springfield, with plans to bring its cutting-edge infrastructure to additional communities in the coming months.
Through its 100% fiber optic network, GoNetspeed offers symmetrical upload and download speeds ranging from 500 Mbps to 2 Gbps, empowering residents and businesses with unparalleled connectivity. This level of performance supports everything from seamless video conferencing and cloud computing to smart home technologies and online gaming.
A Call to Action for Massachusetts Legislators
As Massachusetts considers the adoption of H.3546 and S.2285, GoNetspeed is urging legislators to prioritize broadband access and modernize the state’s pole attachment process. “This is a common-sense solution that will help to close the digital divide,” said Clark. “The time to act is now.”
The stakes are high, but so are the rewards. By streamlining pole attachments and embracing OTMR, Massachusetts can position itself as a national leader in broadband infrastructure, ensuring that all residents and businesses have access to the high-speed internet they need to thrive in today’s digital world.
