Berkshire Connect hired Flack and Kurtz, an engineering consultancy based in New York City, to research the technology, make recommendations and write a business plan. Based on this technical model, the company then developed a business plan that addressed numerous business issues such as marketing and economic feasibility. Berkshire Connect members are quick to say that no public money has been used to build infrastructure. In fact, the venture capital arm of Global Crossing agreed to invest several million dollars to build out the network. The new network, expected to be operational by the end of this year, will deliver advanced telecommunications services at rates up to 70 percent lower than what local businesses had been paying.
Pricing is tiered, with discounts kicking in as demand grows.
Meanwhile, Global Crossing began offering service in April by leasing lines from Verizon. About 30 companies and nonprofit organizations have already become members of Berkshire Connect, with more companies saying that they plan to join in the future. In exchange, member companies are eligible for Global Crossing's rates and for its services. Global Crossing's decision to pursue Berkshire Connect was based on several factors, according to Dan Boynton, regional vice president for New England and the Midwest at Global Crossing. With our financial model, we felt conservatively that we could meet projected revenues.