Gateway Fiber officials, Mayor Peter Marchetti and city and 1Berkshire staff cut a ceremonial ribbon at the Colonial Theatre to welcome Gateway to the city.

Derek Leffert of Gateway Fiber, left, says the company is investing millions into Pittsfield to provide a better internet service. 

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Residents will have more competition for internet service with a new provider coming to the city. 

On Tuesday, a ribbon cutting marked Gateway Fiber's start of construction in Pittsfield. The fiber-optic network will offer subscription plans ranging from $65 to $150 per month, depending on speed. 

"We recognize Pittsfield as a very great opportunity for us," Head of Safety and Government Affairs Derek Leffert said. 

The company has begun construction on networks in Northampton and Gardner, and Pittsfield is next, and Leffert said the city's not just getting internet — it's getting a better experience.

"Our mission is to improve the communities that we serve with a better internet experience. We all know that whether it's telehealth, whether it's education, whether it's remote work, whatever it is that people are struggling with right now, we're offering a great service to the community," he said. 

"Not only are we a reliable service and a very cost-effective service, but we're also very committed to doing what we say we're going to do, and that shows in the reviews." 

The fiber-optic network with multi-gig symmetrical internet speeds is said to be "faster and more reliable than traditional cable and telephone-based internet." Gateway Fiber offers flat-rate, month-to-month pricing, Leffert said. "We believe in the service that we offer, and we're very, very proud of what we do, so we don't require contracts because our service will speak for itself." 

Mayor Peter Marchetti said internet access is a necessary resource for everyone, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic, when people became reliant on it for work and staying connected with family. 

"We know all these services come at a cost, and it's important that we have options in our community to kind of decide where we are," he said. 

"We understand that even in 2025, there's a digital disconnect, and that not every resident has access to these imperative services. Gateway Fiber will be in Pittsfield, providing another option for members of the community to be able to take advantage of." 

He explained that, in addition to Gateway Fiber, the city has undertaken steps to close the digital divide. Last year, Pittsfield received a $99,972 Digital Equity Implementation Grant from the Massachusetts Technology Collaborative to expand public wi-fi to Durant Park, bring wayfinding for wi-fi to the downtown area, and fund a digital equity ambassador to get the word out to the community.

Residents will be kept up to date as Gateway Fiber begins construction in their area with door hangers informing them of the progress and how to reach out with questions.  

Leffert reported "a lot" of preparation over the last couple of years to get to the construction phase. The company plans to work through the rest of the year to get Pittsfield connected. 

"So that's what we've been doing, investing millions right here in Pittsfield," he said. "We're going to do everything we say we're going to do." 

He said Gateway will operate with transparency and stay connected through social media, digital initiatives, and signage, adding, "we're investing in the community, and we want to be a good community partner." 

Pittsfield will join a couple of dozen other communities throughout Western Massachusetts that Gateway Fiber has expanded to, as well as the Cape Cod area. 

"Gateway has been here and will continue to be here for the long haul, and we are committed to success here in Massachusetts," Leffert said. 

Gateway Fiber Operating LLC is based out of Missouri, and the company has an office and warehouse in Chicopee. 

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