Program Updates - November 2024 | |
MBI Honors Digital Equity Work With Inaugural
Digital Inclusion Awards
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Winners of MBI's inaugural digital inclusion awards were honored at the digital inclusion event on October 9 in Worcester. | |
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On October 9, MBI hosted their inaugural digital inclusion event, Celebrating Digital Equity in Massachusetts: A Forum for Innovation and Collaboration. This event took place in celebration of the National Digital Inclusion Alliance’s Digital Inclusion Week (October 7-11, 2024).
The event, held at the BrickBox Theater in Worcester, brought together digital equity practitioners and from across the state to celebrate the narrowing of the digital divide. Additionally, the event honored the digital equity work taking place through the presentation of three awards: Digital Equity Leader, Excellence in Community Impact and Top Innovator in Digital Inclusion.
Congratulations to the following individuals who were honored:
More information about the award winners and key takeaways from the day can be found here.
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BEAD Deployment Phase Webinar Round 1 Information | |
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The Massachusetts Broadband Institute (MBI) formal pre-qualification process for the Broadband Equity and Deployment (BEAD) Program has ended. The process, which allows MBI to review and approve subgrantee applications and certify potential applicants meet the minimum necessary qualification requirements for the BEAD Program deployment phase, closed on October 28. Those who did not participate in the initial pre-qualification process will have an opportunity to submit their qualifications should they choose to apply for BEAD funding in an upcoming round in the deployment phase.
In preparation for Round 1 of the deployment phase, MBI will host a webinar on Wednesday, December 4 at 11 a.m. During this webinar, MBI will discuss the first round of the deployment phase including the program requirements, application process and anticipated timeline. Anyone interested in applying for funds through the deployment phase is encouraged to register for the webinar.
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Residential Retrofit Program Seeking Public and Affordable Housing Operators | |
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MBI continues to seek operators of public and affordable housing properties in Massachusetts wishing to participate in the Residential Retrofit Program.
The program was launched in early 2024 and allows eligible public and affordable housing properties to improve broadband infrastructure. The improved infrastructure will enable residents to engage in essential daily activities such as working remotely, pursuing educational opportunities and accessing healthcare from home. The program launched the Round II Request for Proposals (RFP) in September, which included 9,000 units of affordable housing across 90 developments statewide. It is anticipated that the Round III RFP for the program will be released in the new year.
On October 23, MBI hosted a webinar for housing operators interested in participating in the Residential Retrofit Program. The webinar featured current program participants Somerville Housing Authority Executive Director Diane Cohen and Preservation of Affordable Housing (POAH) Chief of Staff/Senior Vice President Andrew Spoffard who spoke positively of their involvement in the program thus far. The webinar recording and presentation can be found here. Housing operators interested in participating in the program should complete an expression of interest.
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$1.33 Million to Help Bridge Digital Divide Through Municipal Digital Equity Implementation Program | |
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Nineteen cities and towns were awarded funds to help bridge the digital divide within their communities through the Municipal Digital Equity Implementation Program. The $1.33 million will help the following communities implement strategies laid out in the digital equity plan: Adams, Charlton, Chesire, Easthampton, Fairhaven, Florida, Greenfield, Lanesborough, Lynn, Montague, New Bedford, North Adams, Peabody, Pittsfield, Randolph, Sandwich, Somerville, Watertown and Worcester.
In addition to the awarding of grants through the Municipal Digital Equity Implementation Program, 28 additional cities and towns joined the Municipal Digital Equity Planning Program. Currently, the program encompasses 105 communities across Massachusetts that are actively engaged in developing a strategic plan to improve digital equity within their municipality. Read more about the programs and their impact here.
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City of Boston Announces 2024 Digital Equity Fund Awardees | |
In October, the City of Boston announced their awards for the City’s 2024 Digital Equity Fund of $1.4 million through MBI’s Digital Equity Partnerships Program. The funding will be distributed across 36 organizations for digital navigation, improved access to telehealth and for device refurbishment and distribution. Of the 36 organizations to receive funding, 31 will focus on digital navigation to help with affordable internet access, device acquisitions, technical skills and application support. Learn more about how this grant will be used and which organizations will receive funding here. | |
BEAD Next Steps Discussed at Broadband Nation Expo
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MBI Director Michael Baldino attended the Broadband Nation Expo on October 9-11 in Washington, D.C. and participated in a panel with broadband leaders from across the country to discuss roll-out plans, funding and strategy. During the discussion, he spoke about the Gap Networks Program and broadband challenges in Massachusetts as well as the next steps in the BEAD Program. A full summary of the panel discussion can be read here.
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Massachusetts Council on Aging Hosts Annual Fall Conference | |
Massachusetts Healthy Aging Collaborative Executive Director James Fuccione discussed helping adults to learn digital skills at the Massachusetts Council on Aging annual fall conference in Falmouth on October 23-25. | |
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The Massachusetts Council on Aging hosted their annual fall conference in Falmouth from October 23-25. MBI Associate Director of Ecosystems and Programs Kathryn Downes attended the second day of the conference and helped lead a workshop titled, “Aging Like Fine Wi-Fi: Strategies for Sustainable Digital Equity.”
The workshop featured remarks from the Massachusetts Healthy Aging Collaborative, Executive Office of Elder Affairs, and representatives from Councils on Aging (COAs) who are currently doing digital equity work. The COAs shared how they’ve been able to assist older adults in learning how to complete “digital acts of daily living”, such as renewing a license with the registry of motor vehicles (RMV), participating in a virtual town hall meeting, and accessing a patient portal. More information about digital equity for older adults can be found here.
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Employment Opportunity: Executive Assistant | |
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MBI is hiring. We are seeking a dynamic individual to support MBI's mission and make a meaningful impact in the communities being served through programming in the role of executive assistant. If you, or someone you know, is seeking an opportunity to contribute to an innovative digital equity portfolio, provide operational support across programs, and develop valuable skills in program operations and project management apply here.
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MBI Expresses Gratitude for Massachusetts Digital Equity Work | |
November is National Gratitude Month and MBI is taking a moment to express their appreciation for the digital equity work taking place across the state. The ever-growing digital equity ecosystem has made great strides in bridging the digital divide in Massachusetts and providing resources to those in need. While MBI knows there is work to be done, the team is proud of all of the committed digital equity practitioners teaching digital skills, distributing devices, helping residents gain access to the internet and working to address affordability. | |
Meet the MBI Team: Program Executive, Jody Jones | |
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Meet MBI Program Executive, Jody Jones. Jones is one of the
leaders at the helm of MBI, charged with strategic planning and the oversight of the MBI Division. She plays a key role in the development and management of stakeholder relationships. Jones joined MBI from the healthcare sector where she led business development efforts most recently at Massachusetts General Hospital. She is interested in the intersection of economic development and health outcomes. Find Jones 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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The Town of Sandwich's plans to purchase devices and host digital literacy classes through an almost $65,000 grant was discussed on CapeCod.com.
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