Massachusetts Broadband Institute (MBI) has launched the Residential Retrofit Program which aims to deploy $22 million for state-of-the-art broadband infrastructure in approximately 22,000 affordable and public housing units.

The installation of cutting-edge fiber infrastructure will create opportunities for residents to access high-quality, affordable, and reliable home internet. Improved infrastructure and enhanced connectivity will provide residents of eligible Affordable and Public Housing with the ability to engage in essential daily activities such as working remotely, pursuing educational opportunities, and accessing healthcare from home.

This program is funded by a $22 million award provided by the U.S. Department of the Treasury's Capital Projects Fund (CPF). MBI will make available grants covering 100% of the eligible capital costs associated with the retrofit of eligible properties.

Interested housing operators can express their desire to participate in the program by filling out an Expression of Interest form and visiting the website to learn more about this new program. Internet service providers (ISPs) are invited to attend MBI's webinar on Thursday, March 21 at 11 a.m. to learn more about eligibility for service providers and program outcomes. ISPs can register for the webinar here.

Municipalities are invited to apply for funding through MBI's Municipal Digital Equity Implementation Program. This program aims to mobilize, start-up, and implement digital equity activities locally through a one-time grant of up to $100,000 per eligible municipality to execute a project or projects defined in their Digital Equity Plan, Digital Equity Planning Charette, or pre-existing local digital equity plan or related document that MBI deems of sufficient standard. Project implementation will increase access and usage of the internet for the populations most impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. For municipalities that do not have a digital equity plan yet, applications to enroll in the Municipal Digital Equity Planning Program will close on Friday, April 12. 

On Wednesday, February 28 MBI hosted an informational webinar discussing the newly launched Municipal Digital Equity Implementation Program. Attendees learned about the new funding opportunity, the types of projects eligible for funding, and the application process. Thank you to all who attended. You can watch the webinar here.

The Broadband Equity Access and Deployment (BEAD) Program is aiming to enhance high-speed internet across Massachusetts with $147 million in funding. As a part of the program, MBI will be required to administer a Challenge Process, which will allow local government and municipalities, non-profits, tribal governments, and internet service providers to have a voice in ensuring the accuracy of the FCC's broadband map. This will allow unserved and underserved locations to be appropriately identified, ensuring they're eligible for funding.

The Challenge Process relies on public involvement to ensure the accuracy of the data and maps to provide a precise picture of broadband needs in Massachusetts. Learn more about the Challenge Process here. Join MBI's informational webinar on Thursday, April 4 at 11 a.m. to learn about why the Challenge Process is important, who can make submissions, and the anticipated timeline.