Massachusetts Broadband Institute and Baker-Polito Administration Announce Two New Digital Equity Programs

The Massachusetts Broadband Institute (MBI), a division of the MassTech Collaborative, and the Baker-Polito Administration are proud to announce the launch of two new programs focused on bridging digital equity gaps in the Commonwealth: the Digital Equity Partnerships Program and the Municipal Digital Equity Planning Program. These programs are supported by the Commonwealth’s American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) COVID recovery legislation, a $50 million fund to bridge the digital divide. The Digital Equity Partnerships Program will designate qualified organizations as Partners to implement digital equity projects that meet the goals outlined in the Commonwealth’s ARPA COVID recovery legislation. Partners will work with local and regional entities to implement digital equity projects through 1) WiFi access initiatives, 2) public space internet modernization initiatives, 3) connectivity initiatives for economic hardship,  4) digital literacy initiatives, 5) device distribution and refurbishment programs, and 6) education, outreach and adoption. The Municipal Digital Equity Planning Program will offer two options to pursue digital equity planning activities with the support of a pre-qualified planning consultant: a short-term planning charrette - OR - a more extensive Digital Equity Plan process.