Worcester, Massachusetts, looks into feasibility of municipal broadband despite high costs

While a municipal broadband system in Worcester (MA) could cost the city upwards of $250 million, officials are still considering the feasibility of such a project to address gaps in digital access among residents. Chairwoman and City Councilor Etal Haxhiaj requested the city administration conduct a feasibility study to “serve as a blueprint for a broadband master plan that outlines policies, designs, business and financial model options,” as well as apply for the state’s Municipal Digital Equity Planning Program to help learn what digital equity gaps exist in Worcester. Currently, Charter Communications’ Spectrum and Verizon are the only internet providers in Worcester. That money would have to come from the city itself, as state and federal government programs helping municipalities build similar systems are generally aimed at more rural areas that do not already have internet access. However,  Worcester Chief Information Officer Michale Hamel said, another possibility would be to work with a private internet service provider to build a fiber network for the city.