This article was submitted to the LongmeadowBuzz by Jim Moran who is a 46 year resident of Longmeadow and as someone who has been actively engaged in Longmeadow's online presence and digital infrastructure for nearly three decades.
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Residents of Longmeadow, Massachusetts are being asked at the May 12 Annual Town Meeting to approve $8.6 million to begin construction of a municipally owned fiber network.
But new information suggests a privately funded alternative may already be well underway.
After speaking directly with Derek Leffert, Head of Government Affairs at Gateway Fiber, a clearer picture has emerged of the company’s efforts in Longmeadow.
“Gateway Fiber is a privately owned fiber-optic Internet company that builds and operates high-speed “fiber-to-the-home” networks for residential and small business customers. Gateway is already active in Western Massachusetts building and delivering service in Northampton and Pittsfield. Founded in 2019, the company offers fast, symmetrical internet service with simple, transparent pricing and no data caps. Gateway is backed by major institutional investors and uses private capital to fund its network expansions, allowing it to deploy modern broadband infrastructure without relying on taxpayer funding.”
Gateway Fiber Has Been Actively Working in Longmeadow Since 2023
After speaking directly with Derek Leffert, Head of Government Affairs at Gateway Fiber, a clearer picture has emerged:
Gateway identified Longmeadow as a target market in mid-2023
They began pole applications with pole owners in the fall 2023
Initial outreach to the Town of Longmeadow occurred in December 2023 but without any response.
Mr. Leffert attended a June 3, 2024 Select Board meeting, but was not permitted to speak during the resident comments agenda item even though he made a request to speak prior to the meeting.
Since then:
- Gateway has submitted and paid for pole applications covering the full aerial network.
- They have requested make-ready estimates from pole owners Eversource and Verizon.
- Mr. Leffert reports that Gateway Fiber is "first in line" and ahead of Longmeadow in the effort to build a fiber network because they have already submitted and paid their pole application fees.
Some of those "make ready" estimates have already been received.
Gateway reports it has already
committed:
- Over $2.5 million in private capital toward developing a fiber network in Longmeadow. This includes engineering, permitting, and infrastructure planning.
· Importantly: This is not taxpayer money.
■ Barriers to Progress
Gateway has indicated that its efforts have been slowed by:
Limited engagement with town leadership despite multiple outreach attempts
No public hearings or structured discussions on their proposal
A requirement made by town officials for:
“Grant of location hearings for all addresses that our lines will pass”
According to Gateway, this requirement is: “Something that has never been done in any Massachusetts town for aerial fiber construction.”
■ What’s at Stake
At the same time this private effort is underway:
The Town is proposing an $8.6 million taxpayer-funded investment to start building its own municipal fiber network
Longmeadow is already committed to a $100 million middle school project
The Town faces ongoing needs for roads, water, and sewer infrastructure
This raises a
fundamental question:
Why are taxpayers being asked to fund a
new network when a private company has already invested millions to build one?
■ A Recommendation for Town Meeting
Given this information, I believe voters should:
❌ Vote NO on Article 7
Approving this funding would:
Commit taxpayer dollars prematurely
Potentially crowd out or complicate a private investment already in progress
Set the Town on a path toward a large, long-term financial obligation
■ A Better Path Forward
Rather than moving forward with a municipally owned network at this time, Longmeadow should:
✔ Pause further development of a Town-owned fiber system
✔ Hold public hearings with Gateway Fiber
Residents deserve the opportunity to:
Hear directly from Gateway
Understand their timeline and plans
Compare options before taxpayer funds are committed
■ Call to Action
Attend the May 12 Annual Town Meeting
Ask questions about private-sector alternatives
Note: According to the Municipal Optic Task Force Final Report (issued 6/10/24) Gateway Fiber was not included nor reviewed as a possible vendor.Request transparency and public discussion
Share this information with fellow residents
■ Bottom Line
A private company has already invested millions to build fiber in Longmeadow.
Before committing taxpayer funds, we should fully understand and seriously consider that opportunity.
