The Southern Berkshire Technology Committee is comprised of representatives from 11 South Berkshire towns: Alford, Becket, Great Barrington, Egremont, Monterey, Mount Washington, New Marlborough, Otis, Sandisfield, Sheffield, and Tyringham. The group’s mission is to facilitate the deployment of modern broadband infrastructure and services to the rural communities of the region. The members of the Committee represent a cross-section of our communities: technology experts, professionals, educators, small business owners, retirees, parents, and concerned citizens.

Numerous studies have demonstrated positive linkages between broadband availability and economic indicators – including rates of business formation, job growth and property values. “Broadband is an essential resource in today’s world and economy,“ said Governor Deval Patrick, in August of 2008, as he signed into law “An Act Establishing and Funding the Massachusetts Broadband Institute” – legislation that leverages public and private resources to make high-speed Internet available in the state’s 32 communities that currently lack any access to broadband.

The SBTC is working with the Commonwealth on broadband deployment, in addition to other Berkshire County organizations and broadband groups in neighboring counties, potential providers, and network engineers to ensure a plan is developed and deployed that serves the best interests of our citizens, businesses and students. This includes the expectation that the Berkshires broadband deployment will primarily consist of next-generation, scalable, future-proof technology based on fiber-optic cable.

Officers:
Chair: Monica Webb
Vice-Chair: Tim Newman
Secretary: Robert Lichter

Town Representatives/Alternates:
Alford: Robert Lichter
Becket: N/A
Egremont: N/A
Great Barrington: Bob O’Haver
Monterey: Monica Webb/Michael Storch
Mount Washington: Jim Lovejoy
New Marlborough: Tim Newman
Otis: Robert Rocke
Sandisfield: John Burrows/Jean Atwater-Williams
Sheffiled: Paul O’Brien
Tyringham: Holly Ketron