NTIA Approves $14.1M to Boost Statewide Digital Equity
WESTBOROUGH, Mass. - The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) formally approved $14.1 million to fund digital equity programming proposed by Massachusetts' Executive Office of Economic Development.
Through NTIA's Digital Equity Capacity Grant Program, this funding will support the launch of the Massachusetts Broadband Institute (MBI)'s Launchpad program and the expansion of MBI's Municipal Digital Equity Planning and Implementation programs.
MBI's Launchpad program will receive $9.44 million to support digital equity efforts at a wide range of organizations serving vulnerable populations, including smaller community-based organizations, non-profits and municipalities. The Municipal Digital Equity Planning and Implementation program will receive $1.44 million to help additional municipalities develop and deploy digital equity plans for their communities. An additional $1.46 million will be used for updating the Statewide Digital Equity Plan and conducting program evaluation. Approximately $1.79 million will be used for grant and program administration.
"Massachusetts is working to close the digital divide so that all residents can use the internet to connect with others, access critical services and conduct their daily lives," said Governor Maura Healey. "We thank NTIA for helping our state continue to close digital equity gaps in communities that have been left behind for far too long. With these funds, we will be able to expand training, access and affordability for Massachusetts residents."
NTIA funding will expand skills training, internet devices, and access to broadband services across Massachusetts. NTIA's grant program focuses on vulnerable populations including incarcerated individuals, residents with language barriers and veterans. The program will also address the needs of individuals in rural areas and Gateway Cities, particularly within Barnstable, Bristol and Worcester counties.
The Digital Equity Capacity Grant Program is a result of the Biden-Harris administration's recent approval of the implementation of $147 million in federal funding to expand internet access in Massachusetts under NTIA's Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program. Earlier this year, the Healey-Driscoll administration announced more than $45 million in grants through the Broadband Infrastructure Gap Networks Program to address unserved and underserved locations across the state.
