Connecting Fiber Broadband in Becket

The years-long effort to bring fiber-to-the-home broadband to Becket, MA, is now becoming a reality for residents and businesses who have been anxiously awaiting this high-speed connection since 2017.

Sertex was finally able to begin deploying Becket’s fiber cable infrastructure project this past December. Amid the pandemic, the lack of reliable internet has made remote work and online learning extremely challenging, making the demand for broadband even greater (read more on the Berkshire Eagle).

While the state committed initial funding four years ago, many unforeseen delays and challenges frustrated the project’s progress. Complex make-ready work and permitting caused significant delays. Completed by area telecommunications and utility companies, this work was required to attach fiber to utility poles. Throughout this preparatory process, Sertex worked with dedicated volunteers on the Becket Broadband Committee to keep the project moving forward.

Sertex’s fiber infrastructure construction will follow a planned and sequenced 18-month schedule, building out 110 miles of fiber cable in 10 Fiber Service Areas (FSAs) throughout the rural community.

“Becket is in good hands with Sertex. They are committed to the project and working on hanging miles and miles of strand and fiber.” - William Ennen, Last Mile Liasion

“Sertex has been very responsive to help us get where we are today,” said Bob Gross, the town resident serving as manager of Becket’s Municipal Light Plant. “We’re hoping the first homes will be connected in early spring.”

The Becket Broadband network was officially kicked off at a December event where local leaders and state officials gathered for a ceremonial ribbon-cutting. On the day of the kickoff event, Sertex crews could already be seen around town hanging mechanical strand in FSA 02. Once all FSAs are complete, 1,871 Becket homes and businesses will be connected to fiber broadband.

Residents can follow the progress of the build at becketbroadband.org.