PBS, NPR and local perspective for western Mass.

'Middle Mile' Broadband Operator Files For Bankruptcy

A map showing the fiberoptic network in Western Massachusetts.
Massachusetts Broadband Institute

The operator of a state-owned broadband network in Western Massachusetts is filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. And it is just the latest in a legal battle between the company and the state.
 
The bankruptcy filing by KCTS-USA goes along with a 2014 suit it brought against the state. The company said construction delays and a dispute over how many subscribers it would have caused it financial harm. That case has yet to be resolved.
 
KCTS operates the so-called "middle mile" network, which provides broadband to libraries, schools and town governments. The company said a loan will keep it up and running for the next three months.
 
Paul McMorrow with the state office of housing and economic development said the bankruptcy proceedings could help bring a resolution. 
 
"At the same time, we intend to go down a parallel track, gage market interest for alternative service providers to operate the Middle Mile network, should that become necessary," McMorrow said. 
 
KCTS said it has lost $9 million in three years of operating the network.

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Adam joined NEPM as a freelance reporter and fill-in operations assistant during the summer of 2011. For more than 15 years, Adam has had a number stops throughout his broadcast career, including as a news reporter and anchor, sports host and play-by-play announcer as well as a producer and technician.