Hilltowns Close to High Speed Internet

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By Miranda Grossman

Story Published: Jul 28, 2009 at 8:42 PM EDT

Story Updated: Jul 28, 2009 at 8:42 PM EDT

The hilltowns of Western Massachusetts are getting closer to the fast lane of the information superhighway. The state is investing millions of dollars to expand access to broadband.

The sound of dial-up, it's a source of frustration for people like Connie Peterson and hundreds of others living in the hilltowns. "I can't get phone calls, my e-mail cuts out," says Peterson.

Even though Peterson is just a mile from the Amherst town line, she still has to use dial-up. Which isn't good for someone that works from home doing health care consulting. But there is hope. Standing along Interstate 91 on Tuesday, the Governor announced a new partnership between the Massachusetts Broadband Institute and the Office of Transportation. With that partnership comes $4.3 million in state bonds that will turn I-91 into a true information super-highway.

"Creating a back bone off of which local access will be built," said Governor Patrick.

The money will go toward running fiber-optic cable from Connecticut to Vermont. It's something officials have been working on since last year and today say it will finally get done by 2011.

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Marilyn said on Monday, Aug 3 at 1:17 PM

Go! Connie! You've suffered enough. It's about time. Mar

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