Broadband project begins

SANDISFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) - The small Berkshire County town of Sandisfield kicked off construction of one of the nation’s largest broadband expansion projects. Governor Deval Patrick joined federal and state officials for the announcement at the town’s fire department.

The MassBroadband 123 network will connect more than 120 communities in western and north central Massachusetts. Many of these communities, like Sandisfield, do not have access to high speed internet, which has left them behind in education and business.

The project is funded through several federal grants and stimulus money as well as funding through the Massachusetts Broadband Initiative and the Commonweath’s Information Technology Division.

It will take approximately two years to complete.