BOSTON – The Healey-Driscoll Administration and the Massachusetts Technology Collaborative’s (MassTech) Massachusetts Broadband Institute (MBI) announced today the distribution of nearly 27,000 internet-enabled devices through the Connected and Online Program to improve quality of life for Massachusetts residents by providing access to essential services and resources online.
Funded through the U.S. Treasury’s Capital Projects Fund, the Connected and Online Program is a $28.5 million initiative that will provide Massachusetts-based organizations with 26,368 devices, including laptops, tablets and desktop computers. In addition, more than 20,000 pieces of supporting equipment including monitors, assistive technology and remote patient monitoring tools will be made accessible to more than 200 of these organizations statewide, including nonprofits, hospitals, libraries, and elder and youth aid organizations. Devices will be used in public spaces such as schools, libraries and learning centers, or incorporated into free-to-borrow lending programs.
“Massachusetts residents rely on the internet every day to find work, take classes, access health care and build stronger community ties,” said Governor Maura Healey. “The Connected and Online Program helps residents improve their lives by equipping them with the capacity to directly access services and opportunities.”
“The Connected and Online Program is an example of how Massachusetts is focused on expanding economic opportunity for all our residents,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “By supporting local organizations that serve as anchors for connection and learning, the program meets residents where they are and invests in communities.”
The Connected and Online Program is designed to increase access to education, workforce development and health care services with a particular focus on Gateway Cities and rural communities. Devices will be offered through lending programs or at locations accessible to the public. Organizations will conduct public outreach to notify people of opportunities to borrow and use devices.
“Access to digital tools is essential for connecting people to opportunity,” said Economic Development Secretary Eric Paley. “The Connected and Online Program helps residents access jobs, training and essential services while supporting a stronger workforce across Massachusetts.”
“MBI is expanding access to devices in order to empower residents and enable them to take full advantage of opportunities in today’s economy,” said MBI Program Executive Jody Jones. “By putting devices in people’s hands, we are opening up new pathways to trainings and resources that can accelerate careers. With digital access, residents will have the ability to pursue new offerings like the free online AI training now available through the Grow with Google partnership with the Massachusetts AI Hub.”
The Connected and Online Program builds on MBI’s broader digital empowerment strategy and complements broadband infrastructure investments through the Gap Networks Grant Program, Broadband Equity Access and Deployment (BEAD) program and Residential Retrofit Program to expand affordability and access statewide.
The complete award breakdown by organization can be found on the MBI website at broadband.masstech.org/connected-online.
The deadline for applicants interested in applying to be part of the next round of the Connected and Online Program is Sunday, April 5.
About the Massachusetts Broadband Institute at MassTech
A division of the Massachusetts Technology Collaborative, the Massachusetts Broadband Institute (MBI) is working to extend high-speed internet access and availability across the state. To achieve this, MBI uses state and federal funding to launch infrastructure expansion programs that target areas of the state that lack high-speed internet access as well as digital equity programs that tackle barriers to internet adoption and increase availability, addressing critical issues around affordability, enhanced public Wi-Fi, the need for internet-enabled devices, and digital literacy training.
Learn more at broadband.masstech.org.
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