Broadband internet access will be expanded to Princeton and four towns in Western Massachusetts following a grant to Charter Communications, Inc. from a semi-public institution.
Under the $4.4-million grant, Charter will construct state-of-the-art broadband networks in Egremont, Hancock, Peru, Princeton and Tyringham. At least 96 percent of premises in the five towns have to be covered by Charter, according to the Massachusetts Broadband Institute at MassTech, which administered the grant.
Once the project is complete, Charter’s full suite of Spectrum TV, internet and voice services will be available to the estimated 3,600 homes and businesses in each town. MBI said Charter has committed to finishing the project within a year after all permits and authorizations are issued.
This is MBI’s second grant to Charter. Last year, Charter was given $1.6 million to construct broadband networks in Hinsdale, Lanesborough, and West Stockbridge. That project is expected to be completed early next year.
