Some good news about broadband in the Berkshires.  The Massachusetts Broadband Institute (MBI) has awarded Charter Communications a $1.6 million grant to extend broadband to Hinsdale, Lanesborough, and West Stockbridge.  State Officials announced on Tuesday that the grant will support the extension of broadband and digital television service to an estimated 440 households.  The Berkshire Eagle reported that Charter’s estimated $3.9 million upgrade and expansion should take 18 months to complete, reaching approximately 3,400 residential and commercial premises.  Please remember to refer to the Broadband Maps we offered as a service of the Berkshire Planning Commission last month.