News & Updates

AUGUST 2025

BEAD Benefit of the Bargain Round Closed

On Friday, July 11, 2025, the Massachusetts Broadband Institute (MBI) reopened the Broadband Equity Access and Deployment (BEAD) Program via the Benefit of the Bargain solicitation. This round of the BEAD Program was the result of the Friday, June 6, 2025, National Telecommunications Information Administration (NTIA) Policy Notice that called for significant updates to the program. The program is expected to bring $147 million to Massachusetts with a goal of expanding high-speed internet access to unserved and underserved Broadband Serviceable Locations (BSLs) and community anchor institutions (CAIs). The solicitation for this program closed on Thursday, July 31, 2025. All states and territories must submit their final proposals to NTIA by Thursday, Sept. 4, 2025.

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RANGE Cycle 2 Opened Monday, Aug. 4

The RANGE Cycle 2 application for the $8 million Retrofit Ancillary Grantee (RANGE) Program opened on Aug. 4. The RANGE program, created to assist housing operators of outfitted buildings in the Residential Retrofit Program, ensures residents can fully benefit from the improved broadband service. Only housing operators currently enrolled in the Residential Retrofit Program may submit an application to receive funding for devices, digital literacy courses, resident coordination, digital navigators, and additional resources. The RANGE Cycle 2 application will close on Friday, Sept. 26 at 5 p.m.

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Digital Ecosystem Award Nominations Open

MBI opened the nominations for its 2025 Digital Ecosystem Awards. These awards are dedicated to recognizing the outstanding efforts of individuals and organizations making a significant impact through their work. The awards will spotlight exceptional contributions in the categories of Digital Access Champion and Excellence in Community Impact. Award nominations opened on Friday, Aug. 8, 2025, will close on Wednesday, Sept. 10 at 11:59 p.m. Awards will be presented at the MA Goes DigitALL event on Wednesday, Oct. 8.

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Second Massachusetts Lead For America Cohort Graduates

For the second year, MBI partnered with the American Connection Corps (ACC) to place six members in host sites across Massachusetts for ACC’s Lead For America (LFA) Program. The LFA program places individuals with community connections in roles that provide support for digital access. The service term of up to 12 months concluded with a graduation ceremony that took place on Thursday, Aug. 7 in Kansas City, MO. Congratulations, and thank you to the following Massachusetts LFA members for their dedication to the community and efforts to bridge the digital divide across the state:

Nadifo Ibrahim, who served at Tech Foundry
Jessica Kamin, who served at the Boston Medical Center
Kristy Louie, who served at the Action for Boston Community Development, Inc.
Isaac Carrasco Ortiz, who served at the Massachusetts Executive Office of Elder Affairs
Aleesha Siddiqui, who served at the Berkshire Regional Planning Commission
Emily Wazner, who served at the Metropolitan Area Planning Council

Duffy Health Center in Hyannis, MA. Photo courtesy of Duffy Health Center.

In 2023, the Massachusetts League of Community Health Centers (Mass League) joined MBI’s (MBI) Digital Equity Partnerships program. Through this $3.75 million investment, Mass League connected with its subgrantee Duffy Health Center (Duffy), a community-based provider of primary care, mental health and psychiatry services in Hyannis.

With this partnership, Duffy was able to focus on a holistic approach to digital care which led to the creation of a full-time digital navigator role, now held by Ashli Grant. Grant helps drive the health center's work to foster a culture focused on meeting patients.

Click below to read the full story.

Do You Have a Story to Share?

The MBI team is proud to celebrate its digital empowerment ecosystem partners. We invite organizations to share their community impact stories. These stories could highlight a person, project or community group. If your organization receives MBI funding and has helped individuals bridge the digital divide, MBI wants to hear from you.

Email MBI at broadband@masstech.org and share your story.

Ecosystem Updates / Events

Gap Networks Grant Program to Reopen Through CAI Program

Subject to U.S. Department of Treasury approval, MBI expects to launch a separate community anchor institution (CAI) -focused grant round as part of the Gap Networks Grant Program later this fall. This timeline is subject to change. This funding opportunity is suited for entities whose projects require no or minimal make-ready work and can substantially complete construction by Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2026. More updates will be announced as they become available.

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Register Today: Massachusetts Goes DigitALL

For the second year, MBI will celebrate those working to increase access to digital resources through initiatives and programming. The event, Massachusetts Goes DigitALL, will take place on Wednesday, Oct. 8 at Top of the Tower in Worcester. Registration and other event details can be found below.

Over 100 Municipalities Finalize Digital Equity Plans

The Municipal Digital Equity Planning Program, launched in 2022, was established to help municipalities across Massachusetts engage in planning activities to help bridge the digital divide. As of of July 18, 2025, more than 60 plans representing nearly 100 municipalities had been finalized. Then MBI team is proud to recognize this important milestone for the municipalities.

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In the News

New Bedford Launches Free Tech Classes for Beginners

WBSM covered the city of New Bedford receiving free digital literacy and skills training through MBI’s Municipal Implementation Program.

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Gateway Fiber Begins Expansion to Pittsfield

iBerkshires highlighted Fiber expanding broadband access in Pittsfield, supported through MBI's Municipal Digital Equity Implementation Program.

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On Social Media

$31.5M to Upgrade Internet Access in Over 13K Units Statewide

The Healey Driscoll administration and MBI awarded $31.5 million to increase internet access for affordable and public housing resident across the state.

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MBI Hosts Civic Action Program Fellow to Support Massachusetts Digital Access

The MBI team hosted the Civic Action Project (CAP) Fellow Christopher Aviles this summer. His fellowship was part of a program that connects graduate students with public policy and innovation work in the state.

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MassTech Divisions and Programs Highlighted at Economic Development Expo

On Wednesday, July 16, the Massachusetts Technology Collaborative (MassTech) and MBI showcased the organization's work at the Economic Development Expo at the State House.

Click here to learn more about MassTech’s divisions and programs.

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