News & Updates

The Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program extended its Round 1 application deadline to Monday, March 10. BEAD seeks to deliver universal broadband access to all unserved and underserved locations statewide with reliable speeds of at least 100 Mbps/20 Mbps. For more information, visit the solicitation webpage.

Over 15,000 Units Represented in Latest Residential Retrofit Solicitation 

MBI released the third solicitation for the Residential Retrofit Program on February 4. This solicitation represents MBI’s largest round to-date with over 15,000 units representing 25 distinct project groups, including 39 housing operators. Housing operators interested in applying for the Retrofit Program must complete the Expression of Interest before Friday, March 28. This program is at no cost to housing operators.

Municipal Digital Equity Planning Program Applications Due Friday, April 25

MBI's Municipal Digital Equity Planning and Municipal Digital Equity Implementation Programs will receive $1.44 million, through the National Telecommunications and Information Administration's (NTIA) Digital Equity Capacity Grant Program. This funding will help additional municipalities develop and deploy digital equity plans to their communities. Municipalities with completed digital equity plans may apply for a direct grant of up to $100,000 through the Municipal Digital Equity Implementation Program. MBI reopened applications for the Municipal Digital Equity Planning Program and the deadline to submit is Friday, April 25.

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More Than $12.6 Million Awarded to Expand Broadband Access in 96 Massachusetts Cities and Towns

The Healey-Driscoll administration and MBI announced over $12.6 million to expand internet in unserved and underserved locations in 96 cities and towns across the state. Funds were awarded to two internet service providers, Comcast Cable Communications Management and Verizon New England, through the second round of the Gap Networks Grant Program. 

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Healey-Driscoll Administration Announces $19 Million for Statewide Digital Equity Efforts

The Healey-Driscoll administration and MBI announced $19 million in grants to support participants in the Digital Equity Partnerships Program. Projects will distribute upwards of 500 additional devices, expand the Apartment Wi-Fi Program and increase digital access for nearly 20,000 residents. 

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MBI Releases Request for Information to Create Digital Equity Resource List 

MBI released a Request for Information (RFI) to create a Digital Equity Resource List, which will to increase visibility into the ecosystem, including service providers and vendors who address digital equity and inclusion. Responses are due Friday, March 14. 

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Ecosystem Updates / Events

MBI Meets with Municipal Leaders and Representatives at Connect 351 Trade Show

The MBI team participated in the Connect 351 Trade Show hosted by the Massachusetts Municipal Association. Individuals were encouraged to submit an Expression of Interest for future grantmaking under the Residential Retrofit Program before the Friday, March 28 deadline, and to apply for the reopened Municipal Digital Equity Planning Program before Friday, April 25.

NDIA Recognizes 10 MA Municipalities and Organizations as 2024 Digital Inclusion Trailblazers

The National Digital Inclusion Alliance (NDIA) recognized 10 Massachusetts municipalities and organizations in their list of 2024 Digital Inclusion Trailblazers. Click the link below to for the full list of awardees.

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MBI Convenes First Monthly MA Statewide Digital Equity Coalition Meeting of 2025

MBI convened the first monthly MA Statewide Digital Equity Coalition meeting of the year on January 22. Coalition members Virginia Benzan, director of racial justice advocacy at the Massachusetts Law Reform Institute and Michael DeChiara, senior advisor and co-founder at the Alliance for Digital Equity in Western Massachusetts, discussed recent digital equity legislation. Sign-up to join the coalition contact list and be added to future meetings.

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In the News

Gap Networks Program Highlighted in Greenfield Recorder

The Greenfield Recorder reported on the $12.6 million grant from MBI to expand high-speed internet to nearly 100 underserved communities. Governor Maura Healey called internet access “an economic imperative,” highlighting the effort to connect more residents to the digital economy through the federal “Internet for All” initiative.

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Beacon Hill Roundup Showcases Tech Goes Home and Ameelio Partnership

The Daily Hampshire Gazette covered MBI's $6 million grant that will provide digital skills training to more than 3,600 incarcerated individuals in Massachusetts. Led by Tech Goes Home and Ameelio, the initiative aims to equip participants with essential technology skills for successful reintegration into society, promoting rehabilitation, and reducing barriers to employment, education, and community engagement.

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