The Massachusetts Broadband Institute (MBI) and MassGIS are collaborating to develop a sophisticated map of the state to help determine the highest-priority areas for investments in broadband infrastructure and technology. The project will begin in the Western portion of the state, but is being designed to quickly scale.
““This project will provide a way to incorporate public input regarding coverage gaps experienced by Massachusetts residents and will put more sophisticated data to work in support of Governor Patrick’s goal to bridge the digital divide in Massachusetts by 2011,” said MBI Director Sharon Gillett. “In addition to helping the MBI make immediate operational and investment decisions in western Massachusetts, the interactive GIS
platform created will be scalable in the longer term and well positions Massachusetts for state-wide mapping with federal funding through the Recovery Act.”
While a broadband map was created in 2007, this previous map only has details at the township or ZIP code level, wheras the latest version is slated to include details down to the block level. With this announcement, Massachusetts moves to the forefront of states that are using their own resources to develop a detailed broadband map in response to recent legislation that will make mapping funds available.
