Over the last four years, Sterling Municipal Light Department (SMLD) in Massachusetts has been working to deliver more services through its lines, including fiber. The Telegram & Gazette reported the new lines have the potential to bring broadband services to Sterling’s homes and businesses over the next few years.
The 23-mile backbone project that began in December 2019, was run with help from a $150,000 Community Compact grant and cooperation between the municipal light departments across three towns. According to SMLD General Manager Sean Hamilton, the rollout is slow due to practical installations and to ensure it’s done properly. It will take several years to branch out throughout the town, he noted.
SMLD Assistant General Manager Darren Borges added, “We have to provide what we promised. We have one chance to make a first impression.” He said that SMLD is constructing the system with future growth in mind, like 5G.
The Local Area Municipal Broadband will deliver speeds from 250 MB up to 1 GIG, reported by Telegram & Gazette. Bill Underhill, network coordinator for SMLD, noted that towers — potentially many of them — will be required to make 5G a possibility.
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