Internet access in Franklin County

NEW SALEM, Mass. (WWLP) - Ninety-five Massachusetts communities don't have adequate broadband service.

22News Reporter Jaclyn Cashman visited one them in Franklin Country, where Governor Patrick held a forum on this issue.

The Federal Stimulus Bill has $7.2 Billion to help communities, like New Salem, upgrade to high speed internet.

Slow and spotty internet access is all New Salem residents have ever known, but they are not settling for it, when two-thirds of Massachusetts communities have broadband. Some say the lack of reliable internet access impacts their livelihood.

Rebekah Fraser of New Salem said, “It is very challenging, because I run my business from home. I am a writer and depend on reliable and fast internet."

It was standing room only inside New Salem Town Hall where Governor Deval Patrick hosted a broadband forum, telling Franklin County residents they don't have to settle for "status quo."

The Governor has applied for Federal funding to help expand broadband service.

Many people blamed Verizon for the lack of service. Governor Deval Patrick recognizes this internet issue affects local businesses, considering there are 25,000 located in communities where there's limited or no broadband.