The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) has approved and recommended awarding Massachusetts over $14.1 million to implement its Digital Equity Plan. This funding comes from the $1.44 billion State Digital Equity Capacity Grant Program, established under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
Massachusetts will use this funding to implement its digital equity plan, equipping individuals and communities with the necessary tools and skills to access affordable, high-speed Internet.
This approval is part of the first funding round of the Digital Equity Capacity Grant Program, which allocated over $800 million to states, U.S. territories, Puerto Rico, the District of Columbia, and Native entities. These grants, developed under the State Digital Equity Planning Grant Program, require further review and approval of state-submitted documentation before releasing funds.
Massachusetts will invest the $14,133,924 in key digital equity initiatives, including:
- Providing free in-unit Wi-Fi in public housing and low-income neighbourhoods.
- Distributing Wi-Fi cellular hotspots to individuals without stable housing.
- Securing and distributing new or refurbished Internet-enabled devices to underserved populations.