OpenCape has decreased its monthly internet service rates for for its Main Street customers in Falmouth by over 31 percent, the nonprofit technology company announced this week.
OpenCape Corporation owns and operates the 100 percent fiber optic network on the Cape, Islands and Southeastern Massachusetts.
OpenCape customers on Falmouth’s Main Street are connected to a Gigabit Passive Optical Network (GPON) in which they share a gigabit of service. A loan from MassDevelopment made the buildout of the Falmouth GPON possible, and a partnership with Falmouth Economic Development and Industrial Corporation and the Falmouth Chamber of Commerce helped launch the effort. OpenCape committed to reducing rates for customers once the loan was paid off, which happened in January 2022, two years ahead of schedule.
“This rate reduction represents a promise made and a promise kept to our Falmouth Main Street Customers,” said OpenCape CEO Steven Johnston.
He said the Commonwealth must strive to be a national frontrunner in fiber optic network expansion and access, particularly as it pertains to affordability.
“Providing affordable, robust, and reliable service is the only way to ensure that everyone—regardless of income, race, ethnicity, or any other demographic category — can access future-focused connectivity, affordably and easily,” explained Johnston. “In a world where monopoly internet service providers charge for everything, this rate reduction is a testament to how a local nonprofit provider like OpenCape can do more for less.”
“Broadband infrastructure and reliable high-speed internet are critical to developing and providing increased economic opportunities in our region,” said Wayne Lingafelter, Executive Director at Falmouth EDIC. “The success of our local businesses is very dependent upon their ability to connect with their customers. In a competitive marketplace, Falmouth is well positioned to attract new businesses and promote future economic growth and development.”
Michael Kasparian, CEO and President at the Falmouth Chamber of Commerce noted that prior to the GPON buildout, some Falmouth Main Street businesses lacked the connectivity during peak season to even process credit card transactions.
“Thanks to GPON, Falmouth businesses, even those with limited financial resources, have access to reliable, high-speed 100 percent fiber connectivity because we removed the cost barrier,” he said.
