Steve Johnston Testifying Before the Joint Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities, and Energy BOSTON, MA  — On May 6th, representatives from OpenCape Corporation, a nonprofit, open-access broadband provider based in Barnstable, delivered testimony before the Joint Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities, and Energy in support of H.3478 – An Act to Streamline Broadband Permitting and Access .   Led by Executive Director Steve Johnston, the OpenCape delegation included John Campbell, Board Member and former Chief Information Officer at Mass General Brigham Healthcare at Home, and Jenn Brann, Vice President of Business Operations. Their testimony highlighted the urgent need to simplify the permitting process and improve access to pole and conduit infrastructure — two of the biggest barriers to equitable, community-based broadband expansion in Massachusetts.   “We’re ready to build — we have the capital, the talent, and the demand,” said Steve Johnston. “But outdated permitting and infrastructure access delays are holding us back. H.3478 is a practical, well-targeted bill that lets community-focused providers like OpenCape move faster and serve more.”   The panel drew on recent real-world examples, including a project that took just four weeks to construct but seven months to permit — a common imbalance that stalls broadband development across the Commonwealth.   OpenCape Chairman John Campbell testifying with Representative Kip Diggs and Jenn Brann OpenCape VP of Business Operations “As someone who has overseen telehealth rollouts, I can tell you — delays in broadband deployment directly impact patient care,” said John Campbell, MBA, CHCIO. “This bill is critical to connecting vulnerable populations to 21st-century healthcare.”   OpenCape emphasized that H.3478 complements the forthcoming deployment of federal BEAD funds, which are intended to support broadband expansion in underserved and unserved areas.   “We talk to families, small businesses, and town leaders every day,” said Jenn Brann, VP of Business Operations. “They’re not just asking for broadband — they’re asking for choice. This bill helps bring competition, accountability, and better service to communities that have waited too long.”   The legislation, filed by Representative Kip Diggs, aims to modernize and standardize the broadband permitting process, especially for municipal and pole access. OpenCape’s support for H.3478 reflects its broader mission to ensure affordable, reliable, high-speed internet is accessible to every resident and business in the region.

Chris Mader Presenting To The OpenCape Board Recently we marked a significant milestone in OpenCape’s journey as our Board of Directors and leadership team gathered for a strategic retreat at Massachusetts Maritime Academy —a valued customer and one of the region’s cornerstone institutions. The retreat was more than a meeting; it was a focused day of vision-building and alignment  around the next chapter of our organization: OpenCape 3.0 . Driving Strategic Progress With topics ranging from infrastructure investments and innovation to customer experience and regional impact, the conversations were open, honest, and energizing. We explored where we are today—and more importantly, where we need to go to meet the growing demands of the communities we serve across Cape Cod, Southeastern Massachusetts, and Rhode Island . OpenCape 3.0 is not just a concept. It’s a forward-looking, strategic initiative aimed at expanding our reach, relevance, and resilience  in a rapidly evolving digital landscape. And after this retreat, we’re more confident than ever that we’re on the right path. Thoughtful Collaboration, Meaningful Contributions Special thanks go to Sean Gonsalves  and Michael Solitro , who brought insight and clarity through well-prepared, thought-provoking contributions. And to Chris Mader , whose facilitation skills helped guide the conversation toward tangible outcomes while keeping us grounded in a solutions-focused mindset. These moments of clarity, purpose, and collaboration are a powerful reminder of what’s possible when the right people come together with shared intention . Honoring Our Team We are deeply grateful to the Board members and team leaders who gave their time, energy, and ideas to help shape this vision: Alison Caron, Marie Oliva, John Campbell MBA CHCIO, Bob Green, Aimee Iannotti, Art Gaylord, Adam Avratin, Michael Scott, Steven Johnston, Jenn Brann, Janek Chrzanowski,  and Rob Bateman. Supporting Local, Staying Connected We closed the day with dinner at Mezza Luna The Italian Family Restaurant  in Buzzards Bay—another proud OpenCape customer and a beloved local institution. It was a perfect reminder of why local matters : good food, great conversation, and connection to the communities we serve every day. OpenCape 3.0 is in motion—and the work ahead is both exciting and essential.  Thank you to everyone helping shape the future of connectivity in our region. The mission continues, and so does our momentum.

Cyber criminals are getting more and more sophisticated. Thankfully, so are Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) Mitigation companies like Corero. OpenCape is has selected to proactively support customers’ cybersecurity protocols by partnering with industry leader, Corero for DDoS mitigation strategies. Along with email spam, phishing and malware, cyber criminals are employing automated methods for launching attacks into a widespread, ever-present and worsening threat. Financially motivated criminal organizations bent on cyber warfare have aligned with malicious hackers to pool their collective knowledge and experience for generating increasingly complex, multi-vector attacks that are more difficult to detect and mitigate. These attacks are highly effective in knocking out internet applications and services, sometimes for hours and with severe consequences for service providers, businesses and consumers. According to the 2021 Corero DDoS Threat Intelligence Report , the average number of attacks per customer was up 29% over the previous 12 months. Corero takes care of it so you don’t have to worry about it. Talk to an OpenCape team member  today about adding this important feature to your existing service.

You might have noticed our old Facebook page has been a bit quiet lately – and there's a reason for that. Due to unforeseen technical limitations that prevented us from updating or adding new content, and despite our best efforts to resolve these issues,  we've made the strategic decision to transition to a brand-new Facebook page! While our previous page served us well, it became clear that to truly connect with you and provide the timely information you need, we had to create a fresh, dynamic space. This new page is built from the ground up to reflect OpenCape's commitment to cutting-edge connectivity and active community engagement. What to Expect on Our New Page: Fresh Content & Faster Updates:  Get ready for more regular news, behind-the-scenes glimpses of our team, service announcements, and exciting updates about our network expansion – shared quicker than ever. Engaging Visuals:  Expect more photos and videos that showcase the impact of fiber in our communities. Easier Interaction:  We want to hear from you! Our new page makes it simpler to comment, ask questions, and share your OpenCape experiences. Community Spotlight:  We'll be highlighting the incredible local businesses and organizations that thrive on OpenCape's reliable internet. We're incredibly excited about this fresh start and believe our new Facebook page will be a fantastic resource for our customers and the broader Cape, Southeastern Massachusetts and Rhode Island communities. It's a place where you can stay informed, get your questions answered, and connect directly with the OpenCape team. So, don't miss out! Head over to our new Facebook page today, give us a Like, and follow along!  We can't wait to connect with you there.

BEAD and GAP funding represent over $300 million available to the Commonwealth to improve internet infrastructure and bridge the digital equity gap. OpenCape collaborated with numerous municipalities and organizations during the BEAD Challenge Period, providing our region the opportunity to highlight how unreliable and inefficient the current services from Internet Service Providers (ISPs) are. The data we collected was striking: 84%  of respondents said they were unhappy with their current service and would switch providers if given a choice. 42%  cited poor performance as the primary reason for wanting to switch. 41%  cited high costs as a major issue. More than 50%  of speed tests conducted failed to meet the 100 Mbps download/20 Mbps upload threshold established by Mass Broadband, despite providers claiming the region is “well served.” OpenCape is also concerned about how Community Anchor Institutions (CAIs) were treated in this program. Many could have accessed 1GB/1GB service, but were overlooked. We submitted over 100 challenges, based on speed and status, highlighting these vital institutions that deserve robust service. While the rebuttal process is still ongoing, the lack of transparency is troubling. Moreover, some of the awards given are questionable. For example, Verizon was awarded $37,068,263 to connect 1,211 homes in Massachusetts—an average of $30,358.94 per household. In contrast, the national average cost to connect a home to fiber is about $2,500, with difficult installations ranging from $5,000 to $7,500. But $30,000 per household? Sadly, this isn’t surprising. It appears large cable companies had significant influence over the process. This is disappointing because these funds won’t be available again, and instead of ensuring that our residents and businesses gain access to future-proof internet solutions to drive economic growth, Mass Broadband chose the easier path. The 100/20 guidelines conveniently benefit big cable providers at the expense of real progress. It’s worth noting that our neighbors in Rhode Island mandated a 100/100 Mbps minimum to ensure they were setting future-focused goals.

Promotions Start Saturday June 29th 2024 How it Works:   Follow and like the latest OpenCape Falmouth Commodores post for a chance to win a $100 Anejo gift certificate! You can like and share multiple posts to improve your chances of winning. Alternate Entry Method:   Winning name will be picked on Friday, August 16, 2024. Winner will be selected using a random name picker.  Winner will be notified via email or social media direct message.

Residents and businesses on Cape Cod and the Islands need to come together to tackle a major challenge: unreliable and expensive internet service. This critical infrastructure is holding back the region's potential in areas like healthcare, education, and economic development. Here's the good news! A coalition of local groups has launched the "FIX CAPE INTERNET CHALLENGE" to gather data and raise awareness about the issue. This initiative will help ensure Cape Cod gets the resources it needs for faster, more reliable internet. How You Can Help: Take the Speed Test: Visit FixCapeInternet.com and participate in a simple online speed tests. This data will be crucial in showing the true state of internet connectivity on Cape Cod. Spread the Word: The more people who participate, the stronger our case will be. Talk to your friends, family, and colleagues about the challenge and encourage them to take the test. Join the Kick-Off Event: Come learn more about the initiative and hear from local leaders at the event on Wednesday, June 26th at 11 AM at Love, Live, Local in Downtown Hyannis (539 South Street). Why This Matters: Reliable internet is no longer a luxury - it's a necessity. It connects us to healthcare, education, and job opportunities. It allows businesses to thrive and fosters innovation. By working together, we can ensure Cape Cod has the infrastructure it needs to reach its full potential. Let's Fix Cape Internet!

BARNSTABLE, MA / FALMOUTH, MA – OpenCape, the region’s only 100% fiber optic network, has appointed Aimee Iannotti, Senior Manager of M&A Tax, RSM US LLP, to its Board of Directors. Aimee leads the US inbound practice, focusing on foreign based large-and midsized companies with operations and/or aspirations in the US. She assists companies and private equity groups with buy-and sell-side tax diligence and advisory services. This includes structuring assistance and tax technical analysis in M&A related areas such as purchase price allocations, step-up analyses, and incremental tax cost calculations. According to Jenn Brann, Vice President, Business Operations at OpenCape, “Aimee has been an instrumental member of OpenCape’s Finance Committee for the past year and we are delighted to elevate her involvement by welcoming her to the Board of Directors. Her financial expertise, experience, active participation, and feedback is crucial for the organization’s advancement.” Aimee is excited about participating on the Board of Directors for OpenCape, “I am thrilled to be a part of an organization with a mission to connect our community and improve people’s lives. It’s an honor to advise and keep people thriving and collaborating on Cape Cod through the advancement of internet with OpenCape’s fiber optic network,” she said Aimee resides in Falmouth with her husband, two daughters, step-daughter, and pup Ruby. Aimee spends most days juggling work and her daughters’ various sporting events between dance, gymnastics, softball, basketball, and soccer. Summer weekends are always filled with time at the beach and boat days.

In a significant stride towards a more digitally connected community, the Town of Barnstable Planning & Development Department has granted $297,000 in Community Development Block Funds (CDBG) to OpenCape. This dynamic non-profit is a trailblazer in delivering high-speed fiber optic infrastructure to Cape Cod. The awarded grant will power an inventive project centered on dismantling digital disparities in downtown Hyannis, ushering in affordable, cutting-edge internet connectivity for underserved neighborhoods. Project Unveiling: The initiative unfolds as OpenCape extends its 100% fiber infrastructure into strategic areas, with a special focus on uplifting Low to Moderate Income (LMI) households and businesses. The primary mission is to erase the one-time connection cost hurdle and offer budget-friendly monthly plans, unlocking robust, reliable, and accessible internet access. This transformative step holds promise for enhancing remote education, enabling remote employment, facilitating telehealth, and fostering overall community development. Expanding Horizons: The project's footprint strategically navigates throughout downtown Hyannis and this expansion promises direct impact on approximately 355 locations, encompassing 98 residential addresses, 169 bustling commercial spaces, 13 vacant storefronts, and 75 multi-dwelling units contained within the Massachusetts 2020 Environmental Justice Block and centers on individuals and businesses within the Low to Moderate Income (LMI) category in this project area. By prioritizing those facing economic challenges, the project ensures equitable access to affordable and top-tier internet services. Elizabeth Jenkins, Director of the Town of Barnstable Planning & Development Department expressed: "We are thrilled to support OpenCape's initiative in bridging the digital divide within our Environmental Justice community. This CBDG investment aligns with our commitment to ensuring equitable access to essential services and fostering community sustainability. By expanding high-quality internet infrastructure into underserved areas and making it affordable, we promote digital inclusion and create new potential within the EJ and TDI Zones for education, work, healthcare, and families to thrive.” Steve Johnston, CEO and Executive Director of OpenCape described the partnership with Barnstable: "OpenCape extends sincere appreciation to the Town of Barnstable Planning & Development Department for their steadfast support. This grant fuels our mission to create a resilient and connected community, especially within the Environmental Justice zone. The investment enables us to expand high-speed fiber infrastructure, promoting digital inclusivity and innovation. We're eager to leverage this opportunity, bringing robust, reliable connectivity to downtown Hyannis and empowering residents and businesses in the heart of the Environmental Justice zone with cutting-edge internet access." The CBDG project goals include the following benchmarks: Digital Inclusion: Direct access to state-of-the-art fiber for LMI residential and business customers, dissolving the one-time connection cost hurdle. Affordable Connectivity: Monthly plans priced at approximately $55 for residential and $80 for small businesses, democratizing robust internet access and substantially outpacing area providers. Community Impact: Creating connectivity hubs at vital community support locations, including the Senior Center, Hyannis Youth and Community Center, YMCA Headstart, the Hyannis Public Library, the HyArts Programming Annex, and others in Barnstable's Neighborhood Revitalization Strategy Area (NRSA).

Our phone rang off the hook last week with questions from towns, and each conversation was the same. “We have been asked for a letter of support from Comcast and Verizon”, what should we do? For each person, we simply made sure they asked these providers the same questions I would be expected to be asked if OpenCape had made such a request for a letter of support. To begin, let me clear up some facts and details. The maximum amount available to any provider from the MBI Gap Networks Grant Program is $20M. Grant funding requires a 20% match; $20M would fund connectivity to approximately 10,000 homes. The simple questions we asked were: Does this letter of support confirm you will be building in our town? If so, how many homes will you pass? On what streets? What type of service will it be? To date, we have not seen any example of the incumbent providers providing that level of detail or 100% confirmation of such builds. During a regional call with the incumbents and the Cape Cod Tech Council, they seemed to go above and beyond to not provide specifics. To be direct, yes OpenCape applied for a GAP Grant for a Cape town and if awarded we will be further expanding our 1Gig, 5Gig, 10Gig service in that town. You can count on that! – Steve Johnston, CEO & Executive Director, OpenCape

If you are considering rental space at the new residences at Hanover Hyannis (located near BJ’s and Cape Cod Healthcare’s Wilkens Urgent Care Center) rest assured that internet connectivity will be robust and future-focused. OpenCape is providing a 10Gig dedicated fiber circuit to service residents. OpenCape CEO Steve Johnston commented, “Affordable housing is a necessity for our region. Part of that housing solution must be to ensure that every resident and every family, regardless of their economic situation, have access to robust, reliable, and affordable internet service. This is the conduit by which people go to school, work remotely, access healthcare and other benefits. It is a core component of every housing solution, and OpenCape is working tirelessly to ensure every unit built in our region has this access.”

You may have recently noticed an influx in TV, print, email, and radio advertisements from a cryptic, shadowy organization called “Mass Priorities”. While the source of their reported $500,000 ad campaign remains cloudy, it is a safe bet to assume that the incumbent providers who service our region are responsible. I mention it today not to give any credence to their message, but rather to alert people that the sole purpose of this campaign is to confuse and bewilder communities, to have you second guess your instinct when someone is pulling the wool over your eyes. The link to this story addresses many of the details, but I think it is necessary to point out the absurdity of any strategy that promotes confusing customers versus just focusing on providing a great product and amazing customer service. The fact that someone in power thought this was a solid plan demonstrates how little the incumbents think about the role they play in our communities. From my perspective, these dark money campaigns send an incredibly clear signal that the incumbents are terrified of any level of choice or competition, and that is exactly what we will keep doing.