Massachusetts has started spending $50 million in American Rescue aid on internet access

Using American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding, Massachusetts’ Executive Office of Housing & Economic Development, working in concert with the Mass Broadband Institute (MBI), launched two programs in September — Digital Equity Partnerships Program and Municipal Digital Equity Planning. “Digital inclusion really cuts across every aspect of society, whether its social connectivity, being able to get into the workforce and stay in the workforce, civic participation, health care access..., educational opportunities... and financial resources,” said Michael Baldino, the Director of the Massachusetts Broadband Institute. The funding has to be fully committed by the end of 2024 and fully spent by the end of 2026, Baldino said. MBI is managing the funds through a contract with the Commonwealth. Through the Digital Equity Partnerships Program, MBI is looking for 10 to 15 organizations to help execute six initiatives that will address digital literacy; public space internet modernization; connectivity for economic hardship; device distribution and refurbishment, and education, outreach, and adoption. The goal of the six initiatives is to make sure everyone has access to the internet, access to a device that they can use the internet on, and the necessary digital literacy to be able to use the internet, according to Baldino. There will also be a focus on educating communities about existing programs, like the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP).