Healey-Driscoll Administration Awards $1.33 Million to Expand Internet Access and Digital Skills Training

Massachusetts Technology Collaborative’s (MassTech) Massachusetts Broadband Institute (MBI) is awarding $1.33 million to Massachusetts communities as part of their new Municipal Digital Equity Implementation Program. These funds will help 19 cities and towns expand access to internet-connected devices, hire digital experts, engage with residents and undertake other activities to tackle the digital divide in their communities. Local efforts to increase access and affordability are outlined in MBI’s strategic digital equity plans as a part of its Municipal Digital Equity Planning Program. The planning program helps cities and towns create digital equity plans through strategic consultation and data collection. The implementation grants support digital equity planning for projects focusing on: 

• Staff Capacity for Digital Equity 
• Wi-Fi Access and Innovative Connectivity Technology 
• Public Space Modernization 
• Connectivity for Economic Hardship 
• Digital Literacy 
• Device Distribution and Refurbishment 
• Education, Outreach, and Adoption