Jekyll2024-01-19T12:08:09+00:00https://otisfiber.com/OtisFiber.comI signed up for OtisFiber!! You should too!
Assistance for Qualified Households2022-01-04T05:00:00+00:002022-01-04T05:00:00+00:00https://otisfiber.com/2022/01/04/assistance-for-qualified-households<p><strong>The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP)</strong> is a <a href="https://www.fcc.gov/acp"> </a>Federal Communications Commission program that helps connect families and households who need assistance affording internet service. This new benefit provides an ongoing discount of up to $30 per month toward broadband service for eligible households.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.whipcityfiber.com/promo/acp/"><strong>Apply for the ACP benefit here</strong></a></p>
<p>The ACP replaces the temporary Emergency Broadband Benefit (EBB) program which will continue to provide the current monthly discount until March 1, 2022. Most customers will automatically transition to the ACP and others will be notified if they need to requalify. <a href="https://www.fcc.gov/broadbandbenefit"><em>If you are enrolled in the EBB program, you can learn more about the changes here.</em></a></p>
<p>Additional eligibility and enrollment information is available by visiting <a href="http://www.fcc.gov/ACP">www.fcc.gov/ACP</a>, or by calling 877-384-2575.</p>
<hr />
<p><strong>Lifeline</strong> lowers the monthly cost of phone and internet with a $9.25 credit for eligible customers. You can use Lifeline for either phone or internet, but not both. FCC rules prohibit more than one Lifeline service per household.</p>
<p><a href="http://lifeline.whipcityfiber.com/"><strong>Qualify for Lifeline here</strong></a></p>The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) is a Federal Communications Commission program that helps connect families and households who need assistance affording internet service. This new benefit provides an ongoing discount of up to $30 per month toward broadband service for eligible households.Otis Fiber’s Subsidy + Benefit Program2021-06-02T04:00:00+00:002021-06-02T04:00:00+00:00https://otisfiber.com/2021/06/02/otis-fiber-s-subsidy-benefit-program<h3 id="federal-lifeline-subsidy">Federal Lifeline Subsidy</h3>
<p>Lifeline is a federal program that lowers the monthly cost of phone and internet. Qualified customers will receive up to $9.25 applied directly towards their bill. You can use Lifeline for either phone or internet, but not both. FCC rules prohibit more than one Lifeline service per household.</p>
<p><a href="http://lifeline.whipcityfiber.com/"><strong>You can apply here for Lifeline.</strong></a></p>
<h3 id="emergency-broadband-benefit-program">Emergency Broadband Benefit Program</h3>
<p><strong>The temporary Emergency Broadband Benefit (EBB) Program will become the Affordable Connectivity Program, a new longer-term program, on December 30, 2021.</strong> Households enrolled in the Emergency Broadband Benefit before 12/30/21 will continue to receive their current monthly discount until March 1, 2022.</p>
<p><strong>If you are in need of financial assistance, apply for the Emergency Broadband Benefit now.</strong> The Emergency Broadband Benefit program offers a $50 discount for broadband service for eligible households in all Massachusetts towns served by Whip City Fiber during the on-going COVID-19 pandemic.</p>
<p>A household is eligible if one member of the household meets at least <em>one</em> of the following criteria:</p>
<ul>
<li>• Has an income that is at or below 135% of the <a href="https://aspe.hhs.gov/poverty-guidelines">Federal Poverty Guidelines</a> or participates in certain assistance programs, such as SNAP, Medicaid or the FCC’s <a href="https://www.fcc.gov/lifeline-consumers">Lifeline</a> program;</li>
<li>• Is approved to receive benefits under the free and reduced-price school lunch program or the school breakfast program, including through the USDA Community Eligibility Provision, in the 2019-2020 or 2020-2021 school year;</li>
<li>• Received a Federal Pell Grant during the current award year;</li>
<li>• Experienced a substantial loss of income through job loss or furlough since February 29, 2020 and the household had a total income in 2020 at or below $99,000 for single filers and $198,000 for joint filers; or</li>
<li>• Meets the eligibility criteria for a participating provider’s existing low-income or COVID-19 program.</li>
</ul>
<p>Eligible households who already have Whip City Fiber can enroll by <strong>12/30/21</strong> for EBBP directly through Whip City Fiber <a href="https://www.whipcityfiber.com/promo/ebbp/"><strong>here</strong></a>.</p>
<p>Additional information about the Emergency Broadband Benefit is also available at <a href="https://www.whipcityfiber.com/promo/ebbp">whipcityfiber.com/promo/ebbp</a>. Customers can get assistance with their application by calling 833-511-0311 between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m. any day of the week.</p>Federal Lifeline SubsidyApply May 12 for the Emergency Broadband Benefits Program2021-05-10T04:00:00+00:002021-05-10T04:00:00+00:00https://otisfiber.com/2021/05/10/Emergency%20Broadband%20Benefit%20Program<p>Starting May 12, 2021, Otis Fiber offers the Emergency Broadband Benefit, a new Federal Communications Commission (FCC) program. <strong>The temporary benefit will offer a $50 discount for broadband service for eligible households in Westfield and all Massachusetts towns served by Whip City Fiber during the on-going COVID-19 pandemic.</strong></p>
<p>A household is eligible if one member of the household meets at least <em>one</em> of the following criteria:</p>
<p>—Has an income that is at or below 135% of the <a href="https://aspe.hhs.gov/poverty-guidelines">Federal Poverty Guidelines</a> or participates in certain assistance programs, such as SNAP, Medicaid or the FCC’s <a href="https://www.fcc.gov/lifeline-consumers">Lifeline</a> program;</p>
<p>—Is approved to receive benefits under the free and reduced-price school lunch program or the school breakfast program, including through the USDA Community Eligibility Provision, in the 2019-2020 or 2020-2021 school year;</p>
<p>—Received a Federal Pell Grant during the current award year;</p>
<p>—Experienced a substantial loss of income through job loss or furlough since February 29, 2020 and the household had a total income in 2020 at or below $99,000 for single filers and $198,000 for joint filers; or</p>
<p>—Meets the eligibility criteria for a participating provider’s existing low-income or COVID-19 program.</p>
<p><strong>Emergency Broadband Benefit enrollment will begin on May 12, 2021</strong>. Eligible households can enroll directly through Whip City Fiber at <a href="https://www.whipcityfiber.com/promo/ebbp/">www.whipcityfiber.com/promo/ebbp</a><a href="www.whipcityfiber.com/promo/ebbp"> </a>Additional information about the Emergency Broadband Benefit is also available at <a href="https://www.whipcityfiber.com/promo/ebbp/">www.whipcityfiber.com/promo/ebb</a><a href="www.whipcityfiber.com/promo/ebbp">p</a>. Customers can get assistance with their application by calling 833-511-0311 between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m. any day of the week.</p>
<p><strong>Once enrolled, customers will need to contact Whip City Fiber at 413-485-1251 to activate the discount on their account.</strong></p>Starting May 12, 2021, Otis Fiber offers the Emergency Broadband Benefit, a new Federal Communications Commission (FCC) program. The temporary benefit will offer a $50 discount for broadband service for eligible households in Westfield and all Massachusetts towns served by Whip City Fiber during the on-going COVID-19 pandemic.Otis Offers Federal Lifeline Subsidy2021-04-12T04:00:00+00:002021-04-12T04:00:00+00:00https://otisfiber.com/2021/04/12/otis-offers-federal-lifeline-subsidy<p>Lifeline is a federal program that lowers the monthly cost of phone and internet. Qualified customers will receive up to $9.25 applied directly towards their bill. You can use Lifeline for either phone or internet, but not both. FCC rules prohibit more than one Lifeline service per household.</p>
<p><a href="http://lifeline.whipcityfiber.com/"><strong>You can apply here.</strong></a></p>Lifeline is a federal program that lowers the monthly cost of phone and internet. Qualified customers will receive up to $9.25 applied directly towards their bill. You can use Lifeline for either phone or internet, but not both. FCC rules prohibit more than one Lifeline service per household.Summer 2020 Scheduling Update2020-06-05T04:00:00+00:002020-06-05T04:00:00+00:00https://otisfiber.com/2020/06/05/summer-scheduling-update<p>Due to the large backlog we will be contacting customers to schedule their installs based on your application date. The earlier you submitted your application, the sooner we will contact you. We apologize for the delay as we are working hard to efficiently schedule everyone in a timely manner. Thank you for your patience and interest in Otis Fiber. We look forward to bringing you the fastest internet in Western Mass!</p>Due to the large backlog we will be contacting customers to schedule their installs based on your application date. The earlier you submitted your application, the sooner we will contact you. We apologize for the delay as we are working hard to efficiently schedule everyone in a timely manner. Thank you for your patience and interest in Otis Fiber. We look forward to bringing you the fastest internet in Western Mass!Summer Update2019-07-15T04:00:00+00:002019-07-15T04:00:00+00:00https://otisfiber.com/2019/07/15/summer-update<p>Otis Fiber Phase 4 installations have begun and should be complete by mid to late August. Strand and Fiber are being run in Phases 7, 8, 9. Installation of MST’s, splicing, and testing is ongoing in Phase 6 and the fiber hut at the center of town is due to go online the week of July 15. We are hopeful the project will be complete by the end of the year.</p>Otis Fiber Phase 4 installations have begun and should be complete by mid to late August. Strand and Fiber are being run in Phases 7, 8, 9. Installation of MST’s, splicing, and testing is ongoing in Phase 6 and the fiber hut at the center of town is due to go online the week of July 15. We are hopeful the project will be complete by the end of the year.Spring 2019 Update2019-03-28T10:00:00+00:002019-03-28T10:00:00+00:00https://otisfiber.com/2019/03/28/spring-2019-update<p>With spring comes an expected pick up in activity for Otis Fiber. Despite a few delays caused by mud we’re moving right along.</p>
<p>Installations are complete in Phase 2 and are proceeding in Phases 3 and 5. Parts of Phase 3 and all of Phase 4 are being temporarily held due to the famous Otis mud season. The town has had to close many of the dirt roads until things dry up. It has been a very bad year for mud. Fiber and strand construction are complete in phases up to 6 and we will be starting strand and fiber work in Phase 7 any day. The hut in Otis, which will feed Phases 6 and 7, is coming closer to completion and should be operational before the end of April.</p>
<p>It’s an exciting time to be in Otis. Thank you for all your support!</p>With spring comes an expected pick up in activity for Otis Fiber. Despite a few delays caused by mud we’re moving right along.October Update2018-10-12T00:00:00+00:002018-10-12T00:00:00+00:00https://otisfiber.com/2018/10/12/october-news<p>Things are going great for Otis Fiber. Wondering about the latest news?</p>
<p>Installs are beginning in the Phase 2 area starting Monday, October 15. Phase 3 splicing is also underway with installs expected to begin in a few months.</p>
<p>Upon further review of the business plan, seasonal rates will not be available at this time. Customers who disconnect service will be subject to a $500 reconnect fee.</p>
<p>We’re really excited about how far we’ve come with this project and truly appreciate the support of the community. If you haven’t signed up yet, talk with a neighbor who has our service. We think you’ll be impressed!</p>Things are going great for Otis Fiber. Wondering about the latest news?The Light is ON in Otis2018-04-05T00:00:00+00:002018-04-05T00:00:00+00:00https://otisfiber.com/2018/04/05/the-light-is-on-in-otis<p>The day we have been waiting for has arrived! Otis Fiber’s tech hub is up and running and installations are underway. Phase One customers will be contacted in the next couple of weeks to schedule an appointment with the installers. High-speed internet has arrived in Otis. Thank you for your support.</p>The day we have been waiting for has arrived! Otis Fiber’s tech hub is up and running and installations are underway. Phase One customers will be contacted in the next couple of weeks to schedule an appointment with the installers. High-speed internet has arrived in Otis. Thank you for your support.Exciting Times for Otis!2018-02-02T00:00:00+00:002018-02-02T00:00:00+00:00https://otisfiber.com/2018/02/02/exciting-times-the-project-progresses<p>As of January 30, our subcontractor Sertex has started running the fiber backbone down Pine Road to begin our pilot section. We hope to start lighting up homes in this area starting the beginning of March.</p>
<p>We request that all residents fill out an application so we can determine who is interested in internet service. Otis residents have three choices for service:</p>
<p>1. Sign me up for the $69.95/month service for 1gb up and 1 gb down. This is approximately 1,000 times faster than current DSL service</p>
<p>2. Please bring fiber to my home but I am not ready to commit to service. If you are not going to sign up for service, this is the recommended selection as initially the Town will pay to bring the fiber to your home. If you do not select this option and want fiber at a later date you will have to pay to be connected.</p>
<p>3. I do not want to have fiber to my home.</p>
<p>When you begin an application, you will type in your street number and your address should appear in the drop down. Please click on the matching address and it should pop into the block. You will then click on the green block to the right. If you do not see an application appear you have an error. If you are having issues, please call 413-297-8135 or go down to the Town Hall and see if Lisa can help you. Determining the number of subscribers is essential in helping us determine our costs.</p>
<p>As for dates on when the rest of the phases will be hooked up, we are currently waiting on Verizon to give us approval. They are significantly behind and we are working with them and the Governor’s office to get the process moving more quickly. Once we get dates from them we can more accurately predict when we will be able to move forward.</p>As of January 30, our subcontractor Sertex has started running the fiber backbone down Pine Road to begin our pilot section. We hope to start lighting up homes in this area starting the beginning of March.