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News & Updates
March 2025
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Launchpad Program Now Open – Apply by Friday, April 25
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The Launchpad Program is now accepting applications. The program offers up to $1 million in funding for eligible entities to expand digital access for low-income households, aging individuals, veterans, incarcerated individuals (non-federal), individuals with disabilities, those with language barriers, racial/ethnic minorities and rural residents. Eligible entities which include nonprofit organizations, municipalities, regional planning agencies, philanthropic foundations, state agencies, quasi-public entities, educational providers, healthcare providers and community action agencies, can submit concept papers by Friday, April 25 at 5:00 p.m. For more details, visit the solicitation webpage.
| Final Call: Retrofit Expression of Interest Deadline Friday, March 28 | | The Massachusetts Broadband Institute’s (MBI) Residential Retrofit Program funds Internet Service Providers to install state-of-the-art broadband infrastructure in public and private affordable housing across the state. Improved infrastructure and enhanced connectivity will enable public and affordable housing residents to engage in essential daily activities such as working remotely, pursuing educational opportunities and accessing telehealth opportunities. Housing operators interested in applying for the Residential Retrofit Program must complete the Expression of Interest form by Friday, March 28. Participation in this program is at no cost to housing operators. | | Muni Planning Applications Due Friday, April 25 | The Municipal Digital Equity Planning Program helps municipalities fund and select a pre-qualified planning consultant to support their digital equity initiatives. Municipalities can choose between a short-term planning charrette or a longer-term Digital Equity Plan. Both are designed to advance digital access and inclusion. Municipalities may apply individually or as part of a regional effort. Regional approaches are encouraged to promote resource sharing and coordination. The application deadline is Friday, April 25. Click here for more information. | | Request for Information (RFI) for Digital Equity Resource List Extended to Friday, March 28 | The deadline to respond to MBI's request for information for the Digital Equity Resource List has been extended to Friday, March 28. Vendors offering services that promote digital empowerment— including digital literacy training, device refurbishment and distribution, education and outreach programs, public space internet modernization, and Wi-Fi access expansion— are encouraged to respond. The RFI results will be publicly available to help increase visibility of digital equity vendors and suppliers, in Massachusetts and nationally, and to create a publicly accessible resource list. More information can be found on MBI's webpage. | | Vinfen Introduces Train the Trainer Program | As part of MBI’s Digital Equity Partnerships Program, Vinfen’s Haverhill and Lawrence community centers launched its Train the Trainer Program. This program empowers members and staff with essential digital skills. In weekly sessions led by a tech navigator, participants improve and gain confidence in critical computer skills such as shared drive management, file organization and Microsoft Word use. This initiative works to create a more connected, inclusive and tech-savvy Vinfen community. | | Municipal Learning Session Recap: Next session is Wednesday, April 9 | |
A series of learning sessions for the Municipal Digital Equity Implementation Program launched Wednesday, March 19. Municipal staff from Pittsfield and Boston spoke about the challenges they face and the successes they’ve achieved concerning broadband improvements for their constituents. In this first session, participants asked questions and shared insights into the development and operations of similar local systems. The next session will take place virtually Wednesday, April 9, focusing on digital navigation and digital literacy programming. Click here to register.
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| | Ecosystem Updates / Events | | Town of Randolph Launches Digital Equity Course | The Town of Randolph launched its first digital equity course, Technology Training for Community Members Initiative, this month. This program equips community members with essential digital literacy skills to improve access to online resources and opportunities. Randolph has made significant progress in implementing its program, establishing itself as a leading municipality in advancing digital equity within MBI's Municipal Digital Equity Implementation Program. | | VHB Highlights Digital Equity Work in Methuen | |
The City of Methuen is undertaking a digital equity study to enhance internet access and affordability for residents. In collaboration with Vanasse Hangen Brustlin, Inc. (VHB) and the Merrimack Valley Planning Commission, the city will assess broadband gaps, engage the community through surveys and public meetings and develop strategic solutions to expand digital access.
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| | The Benton Institute for Broadband and Society Publishes Report | |
The Benton Institute for Broadband and Society published the "From the Ground-Up: Investing in the Human Infrastructure of Broadband" report. It explores how communities can take charge of their broadband future through sustainable, locally driven investments.
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| | Residential Retrofit Webinar | |
The MBI team hosted a webinar about the Residential Retrofit Program that featured program participants Patrick Barry, senior associate, Related Companies and Sahar Lawrence, senior advisor for digital equity, Boston Housing Authority. Click here to watch the recording.
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