Verizon to Expand Massachusetts DSL, FiOS

Verizon recently announced it will invest $200 million in new broadband technology for Massachusetts in 2008, extending its FiOS TV service to an additional 30 communities and its DSL Internet service to 23 other communities in western Massachusetts. The company said it will work with the governor and state legislators to explore ways to expand coverage in this and other areas of the state. Massachusetts has established a $25 million Broadband Incentive Fund to develop public and private partnerships in communities that lack broadband access. Managed by a division of the Massachusetts Technology Collaborative, the fund enables the state to use up to $25 million toward broadband infrastructure tools like conduits, fiber and wireless towers in order to spur private investments. Verizon said it will offer high-speed Internet service in Becket, Blandford, Colrain, Cummington, Florida, Goshen, Hancock, Heath, Leverett, Leyden, Middlefield, Monroe, Montgomery, New Ashford, New Marlborough, Pelham, Plainfield, Rowe, Sandisfield, Tolland, Westhampton, Windsor and Worthington. Verizon said it will also offer connection speeds of 7 MB/s in 24 other communities, most in central and western Massachusetts. The new service level -- which will be twice as fast as Verizon's highest DSL speed -- is designed to exceed cable Internet speeds, the company said. The expanded services will entail hiring 200 additional customer service employees in Andover, Springfield, Taunton and Worcester.