Boston — The Healey-Driscoll administration and Massachusetts Technology Collaborative’s (MassTech) Massachusetts Broadband Institute (MBI) today launched the Connected & Online Program, a $23 million initiative to close the digital device gap across Massachusetts. The program will distribute approximately 27,000 internet-connected devices – such as laptops, desktops, tablets, assistive technology and supportive equipment – to eligible organizations across the state.
Funded by the U.S. Treasury Capital Projects Fund, the Connected and Online Program is part of the state’s broader digital empowerment strategy and aims to increase access to education, expand workforce training and support access to health care services, especially in Gateway Cities and rural communities. Devices will be preloaded with security and accessibility software and distributed at no cost to approved applicants.
“Access to the internet is no longer a luxury – it's a necessity for work, learning and health,” said Governor Maura Healey. “Through this program, we are making sure that communities across Massachusetts have the tools they need to succeed in the digital economy. Closing the digital divide is essential to building an economy that works for everyone, no matter their zip code.”
“From rural towns to our largest cities, residents deserve the chance to log on and connect with opportunity,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “These devices will help families access telehealth, students complete their homework, and job seekers apply for new opportunities. This investment is about removing barriers so that everyone in Massachusetts can fully participate in our economy.”
“This historic investment will provide thousands of Massachusetts households with the necessary devices to take classes online, apply for a job or remotely track their health status,” said Massachusetts Economic Development Secretary Eric Paley. “The Connected and Online Program is another way the state is addressing the digital divide across Massachusetts by providing residents with the tools they need to thrive in today’s digital economy.”
“MBI is proud to partner with organizations across the state to support telehealth, remote patient monitoring, online learning opportunities and workforce development,” said MBI Program Executive Jody Jones. “The first step to accessing critical services in today’s world depends on a reliable device that is connected to the internet. The goal of this program is to increase access to these devices and ensure that all residents, regardless of where they live, are able to fully participate in the digital economy.”
Eligible applicants to the Connected and Online Program include municipalities, libraries, health care providers, workforce centers, educational institutions and nonprofits. Each organization may request a minimum of 30 and a maximum of 500 devices.
Applicants will demonstrate how the supplied devices will be accessible to the public, either through lending programs or on-site use and how expanded access to devices aligns with the needs of the communities they serve. Applicants must also include a strategy for measuring usage and outcomes and outline a plan for ongoing end-user support and device management.
The deadline to apply for the Connected and Online Program is Friday, Nov. 7. Interested applicants may apply here.
About Massachusetts Broadband Institute at MassTech
A division of the Massachusetts Technology Collaborative, 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 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 https://broadband.masstech.org.
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