Program Updates - June 2024 | |
BEAD Challenge Process Opens on June 20 | |
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The Massachusetts statewide Challenge Process will begin in the coming weeks. The Challenge Process is part of the Massachusetts Broadband Institute (MBI) $147 million Broadband, Equity, Access and Deployment (BEAD) Program and allows local governments, non-profits, tribal governments and internet service providers, as approved eligible entities, to contest the FCC's broadband map.
On Monday, June 10, the Challenge Process map will be available for review. This map will utilize the most recent data from the FCC broadband map. Starting Thursday, June 20, eligible entities will be able to submit challenges supported by evidence to MBI to dispute the status of whether specific locations have access to reliable broadband service. The challenge process will conclude on Saturday, July 20. The outcome of this process will be to identify locations that do not have reliable high-speed internet service to be appropriately classified as eligible for BEAD funding. To become familiar with the technical aspects of the Challenge Process, MBI recommends reviewing the approved Volume I initial proposal.
|  | Throughout the Challenge Process, MBI will host a series of technical assistance webinars and office hours. The full schedule of these webinars and office hours can be found here and will serve as an avenue for eligible entities to address any questions, concerns or difficulties users may experience throughout the process. | |
Residential Retrofit Program RFP Has Launched | |
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The Request for Proposals (RFP) for MBI’s Residential Retrofit Program has officially been launched. The program is designed to deploy $22 million for state-of-the-art broadband infrastructure in about 22,000 affordable and public housing units through cutting-edge fiber infrastructure installation. The RFP is the first of several for the program and includes 65 buildings with 5,034 units. Additional information about the program can be found here, and the RFP can be found here. Future RFPs are anticipated to be released quarterly.
Housing owners not currently enrolled in the program can fill out the Expression of Interest form here.
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Gap Networks Program Opens Round 2 Solicitation | |
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MBI has announced the second round of applications for the Gap Networks Program is open. The $145 million program, aimed at expanding access and connectivity in unserved and underserved locations throughout the state, funds the deployment of broadband infrastructure in areas that currently lack broadband service. More information on the Gap Networks timeline, how to apply and eligibility requirements can be found here.
Please note, those awarded funds in Round 1 of the program are not eligible to apply for funding in Round 2. Those interested in applying for Round 2 are encouraged to sign up for the Gap Networks Bidders' Conference held virtually tomorrow Friday, June 7 from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m.
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Digital Equity Partnerships Program Continues to Reach New Milestones | |
UMass Lowell, a partner in the Digital Equity Partnership Program, works with the African Community Center of Lowell. | |
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The MBI Digital Equity Partnerships Program, that provides funding for nine qualified organizations to implement digital equity projects, continues to reach new milestones:
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Funded in part through the Digital Equity Partnership Program as a partner to the MassHire Metro North Workforce Board grant, Computers 4 People opened a new office in Waltham on May 2. The non-profit organization aimed at closing the digital divide will service the Metro North through the refurbishment and distribution of donated devices throughout the community. Learn more about this organization and their work here.
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On May 10, the Alliance for Digital Equity in Western Massachusetts, as part of their work in Berkshire County co-hosted a regional meeting of digital equity practitioners in Pittsfield. The event, in partnership with State Senator Paul Mark, State Representative Tricia Farley-Bouvier, the Berkshire Regional Planning Commission (BRPC) and the Berkshire United Way, gathered community organizations to learn about the shared digital equity work taking place and spark collaboration on future initiatives.
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As part of the Massachusetts Healthy Aging Collaborative and AgeSpan Digital Equity Partnership Program grant, Coastline Elderly Services supported the New Bedford Council on Aging in opening its Tech Lab. The new lab used a ribbon cutting to celebrate its grand opening on May 21 and will begin hosting classes in June for digital skills training. More information on Coastline Elderly Services’ work through the Partnerships Program can be found here.
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May Events: Cape Cod Digital Equity Practitioners Gathering | |
Digital Equity practitioners from Cape Cod gathered in Harwich on May 16 for a regional meeting. | Several MBI members attended and supported the regional meeting of Cape Cod digital equity practitioners in Harwich on May 16. The Cape Cod Commission, with support from MBI, hosted a half day workshop at Cape Cod Tech to increase visibility of digital inclusion work across the Cape, create a shared understanding of barriers, and collaboratively discuss solutions. Practitioners represented libraries, municipal governments, health and human services organizations, workforce development agencies, community media, housing providers, internet service providers and more. | |
Meet the MBI Team: Program Manager of Broadband Grants, Karen Jenkins | |
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Meet MBI Program Manager of Broadband Grants, Karen Jenkins. Karen oversees the Gap Networks Program, working to fund the deployment of broadband infrastructure in areas across the state that currently lack broadband service. She works with the MBI team to facilitate Gap Networks and contributes her wealth of knowledge across other programs to ensure broadband needs across Massachusetts are being met. Find Karen and the rest of the MBI team’s contact information here.
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In the News
Select Broadband News from Around the State
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UMass Lowell's work through the Digital Equity Partnerships Program was highlighted in the Lowell Sun.
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The town of Bourne's progress in developing their digital equity plan through the Municipal Digital Equity Planning Program was discussed in The Enterprise.
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