Home / VOL. VII NO. 11 06/01/2026 / Reader to Reader

Now we are seven and all systems are go. Click http://www.stockbridgeupdates.com and in upper right corner, subscribe or leave us a comment. Find our complete archive from the first issue in August 2020 through April 15, 2026. Search an old article, read or reread them, and of course, take another look at all those fabulous photographs. if you would like to support Stockbridge Updates, go to VENMO @carole-owens-6 (no caps) or mail a check to P. O. Box 1072, Stockbridge, MA. 01262. If you like this issue, pass it on.

Reader to Reader


Good Morning Carole,

AlfordLink is a municipally owned, fiber optic internet service created to provide high-speed broadband access to residents in Alford, Massachusetts. It is part of the town’s effort to deliver reliable and modern connectivity in a rural area that was historically underserved by large commercial internet providers.

The service operates through a Fiber to the Premises (FTTP) network, meaning fiber-optic cables run directly to homes and town offices, enabling very fast and reliable internet connections. The infrastructure is owned by the town (via the AlfordLink Enterprise Fund / Municipal Light Plant), while Whip City Fiber (Westfield Gas & Electric) manages network operations and service delivery. Whip City serves other communities, similar to Alford, including, Becket, Otis and Richmond in Berkshire County.

AlfordLink offers gigabit-speed internet service, delivering up to 1,000 Mbps for both download and upload speeds. This allows users to stream content, work remotely, and connect multiple devices simultaneously without performance issues. The service is designed to be high-quality, affordable, and reliable, with features such as no data caps, no long-term contracts, and optional add-ons like VoIP phone service. We are currently testing equipment to increase our delivery service to 2.5gb.

The development of AlfordLink reflects a broader trend of community broadband initiatives, where local governments build and control internet infrastructure to improve service quality, reduce costs, and support economic development. In small communities like Alford, this approach helps overcome limited investment from large ISPs and ensures residents have access to modern digital services.

Happy to answer any questions you may have. As I mentioned, Alfordlink is owned and operated by the Town of Alford. The annual operating budget is included in the town warrant for all to see. Please feel free to call me if you have any questions. Thank you, Tim Ortwein

Editor’s note: Tim is a member of the Alfordlink Commission, Alford, MA. If folks express an interest, SU is happy to hold a meeting – a Q&A – on the subject. Let us know.

Harold French plays Taps     Dana Goedewaagen

Sign Up for 
Stockbridge Updates

Local news provided free of charge.

Name

Past Issues

Archive of all stories

Stockbridge Updates Statement of Purpose

To inform without opinion or pressure and give the people of Stockbridge the facts they need to make informed decisions.

To provide space for opinion, but since facts and opinions are different, to clearly mark opinion pieces, and clearly identify the opinion holder.

Stockbridge Updates is a periodic newsletter delivered through email.

Carole Owens, Executive Editor

Stockbridge Updates Policy with Respect to Submissions

SU welcomes your letters and other submissions on all Stockbridge subjects, history and current events, news and human interest, whatever is on your mind. As with articles and opinion pieces, letters are 400 words or less, no personal attacks, and always attach your name. SU does not include personal information and will delete telephone numbers, email addresses, post office boxes, and street addresses. Limit one submission per month.

Carole Owens, Executive Editor

Stockbridge Updates: Format

SU is attempting to present a consistent format for readers. SU begins with its Table of Contents. The SU Editorial is next and then the News. News is divided between one-time events, such as the election and events around town, and recurring reporting, such as the Notes from… section. It is called Notes from… because SU attends the town meetings, takes notes, and reports what happened. If SU has a comment or question, it is at the end of the meeting identified as Editor’s Comment or Editor’s Question. The next section is Contributors. Under contributors, you may find Stockbridge history, opinion pieces, or information from a Committee Chair or elected official. Our final section is Reader to Reader, our letter section. The issue closes with the SU Statement of Purpose and Policy for Contributors. We welcome all letter writers and contributors; deadline on the 10th for the issue posted on the 15th of the month and on the 26th for the issue posted on the first.

Your Submissions Welcome!

Submit comments, opinion pieces, and letters to the editor to carole@stockbridgeupdates.com

If you want to look at back issues, go to: our archive page

Stockbridge Updates—pass it on.

Stockbridge Updates

carole@stockbridgeupdates.com