MBI Program Updates - August 2023

Massachusetts Awarded $147M from Federal BEAD Grant Program

Commonwealth Leaders Attended White House Announcement

On June 26th, President Biden, Vice President Harris, and national leaders gathered at the White House to announce over $42 billion in federal funding to expand high-speed internet in all 50 states, Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico, and other territories. Under the plan Massachusetts will receive $147 million in funding from the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program managed by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA).

MBI Director Michael Baldino and Massachusetts Director of Federal Funds & Infrastructure Quentin Palfrey both attended the White House event, joining leaders from across the country to celebrate the awards. 

Governor Healey celebrated the announcement of the new funding in a press release:

“We are grateful to President Biden, Secretary Raimondo, and our entire congressional delegation for their leadership on this critical work to expand digital equity across the country. With these funds, Massachusetts will build on ongoing work to ensure that our residents can access the affordable and reliable broadband service they need to work, learn, access healthcare resources, and connect with loved ones.” 

Statewide Listening Session Series Kicks Off

First Session Will Take Place in Brockton on September 7th

MBI Seeks Feedback on Internet Access and Connectivity Challenges

The MBI has kicked off a statewide series of listening sessions designed to gain feedback from Massachusetts residents on internet access, affordability, digital literacy & skills training, and device availability.

Sessions will hit every part of the Commonwealth to gain this critical feedback. In addition, the MBI will work with groups statewide to organize focus groups to engage key stakeholders about these topics.

The first regional listening session will take place in Brockton on September 7th, with future events announced on the MBI website over the coming weeks.

Details below and via the links on the left.

Southeast Listening Session

Thursday, September 7, 2023

5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.



Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro South Brockton Clubhouse

233 Warren Avenue

Brockton, MA 02301

Together we can achieve

INTERNET FOR ALL!

Session Videos Posted

from June's Statewide Digital Equity Summit

If you missed the Broadband & Digital Equity Summit held in Worcester last month, it's not too late to tune in!

MBI recently posted videos from the June 13th Summit. They are broken out by session, highlighting the expert panels that spoke to digital equity best practices, how to meet workforce challenges, barriers to digital adoption, and more.

Click the link below and select the session you're most interested in to find the archived video.

Statewide Broadband & Digital Equity Survey

Thousands of Residents Have Already Submitted - Have You?

The MBI's digital equity survey is still accepting submissions from residents statewide about their experiences with accessing and using the internet.

Your input will help the Commonwealth ensure that everyone can have access to high-quality and affordable internet service, devices, skills training, and digital support.

Take the survey and share with your networks!

MAPC’s Apartment WiFi Program

Accepting Expressions of Interest to Participate in Program

Under MBI’s Digital Equity Partnerships Program MAPC has officially launched it’s Apartment WiFi initiative. In-home broadband access is a key component of digital equity. Access to affordable, reliable, high-speed internet is crucial for residents of Greater Boston to fully participate in work, school, and society. MAPC works with municipalities, public housing authorities, and affordable housing developers to build Wi-Fi networks for their residents.

MAPC is now accepting expressions of interest from public and non-profit affordable housing providers to participate in the Apartment Wi-Fi program. This program provides funding, project management, and procurement support to fund the construction of Wi-Fi networks which provide residents with equal or superior service than what is available from commercial ISPs, at no cost to residents. Funding covers all capital costs associated with network design, construction, and equipment, and the first year of ongoing operating expenses.

Help Drive Digital Equity in Western Mass

Alliance for Digital Equity Seeks Full-Time Fellow in Springfield

In early June, it was announced that the MBI and partners would fund 15 American Connection Corps (ACC) program fellows to work in full-time, year-long roles with host organizations across Massachusetts to close the digital divide.

One of the host organizations, the Alliance for Digital Equity, is seeking applications for an ACC staffer to help drive adoption of the federal Affordable Connectivity Program across that region. This position will be primarily based in Springfield, but will also "provide ACP enrollment assistance and education support in Hampden, Hampshire, Franklin and Berkshire counties."

In the News

Select Broadband News from Around the State

• MBI Director, Michael Baldino spoke with CapeCod.com to highlight the Digital Equity Survey and ongoing efforts to solicit feedback from residents statewide.
• State Senator Paul Mark joined WBZ Radio's 'New England Weekend' to discuss the progress of broadband expansion in Western Massachusetts, citing the work of the MBI, the Last Mile program, and pandemic programs that expanded wifi to bridge gaps.
• A Springfield Republican editorial in late June highlighted the White House's announcement of BEAD funds and how the investments can make an impact for unserved communities statewide.
• The South Coast's WLNE-TV and The Worcester Telegram covered the Healey-Driscoll Administration's awarding of $4 million from the Commonwealth's Community Compact program to drive municipal fiber investments statewide.