BOSTON — The Healey-Driscoll Administration received approval for $18.8 million under the National Telecommunications and Information Administration’s (NTIA) Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program. The funding will enable the Massachusetts Technology Collaborative’s (MassTech) Massachusetts Broadband Institute (MBI) to implement high-speed broadband infrastructure to all remaining unserved and underserved locations in the state, including 251 communities, 2,565 homes and businesses, and 1,243 community anchor institutions.
The BEAD program expands internet access through a variety of technologies, including fiber optics as well as hybrid fiber-coaxial and low Earth orbit satellite internet. The program builds on the foundation of prior state and federal investments by MBI through the Executive Office of Economic Development that have brought Massachusetts to over 99 percent statewide broadband coverage, including awards made under the state-funded Last Mile Grant programs and the federally funded Gap Networks Program.
“For everything from work and starting a business, to engaging with friends and family, and accessing government resources, high-speed internet is essential for Massachusetts residents,” said Governor Maura Healey. “With NTIA approval, we can continue to expand internet access to every community and close existing gaps in connectivity.”
“Our administration has been focused on bringing connectivity to communities in every region of the state, including rural, suburban and urban neighborhoods,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “The BEAD program will provide our state with the resources to support residents through expanded high-speed service.”
“This milestone reflects the Healey-Driscoll Administration’s ongoing commitment to expanding economic opportunity across the state,” said Economic Development Secretary Eric Paley. “As we close the digital divide, Massachusetts is increasing access to critical services and engaging local businesses to build a more fruitful economy for everyone.”
“Federal approval of our final BEAD proposal is an important milestone that will advance efforts to close the digital divide in Massachusetts,” said Director of Federal Funds and Infrastructure Quentin Palfrey. “Our state is leveraging all the resources at its disposal to expand digital opportunities. MBI has been invaluable in the effort to increase access and ensure we have a thriving digital economy.”
In addition to the BEAD grant recipients, internet service providers (ISPs) have launched projects supported through the Gap Networks Program to close breaks in service for 128 communities using over $45 million of U.S. Treasury Capital Projects funds.
“MBI has been steadfast in its mission to expand internet access for residents, businesses and community anchor institutions,” said MBI Director Michael Baldino. “Our grants to providers through the BEAD program complement other investments being made by MBI through our Residential Retrofit, Gap Networks, and Connected and Online programs to expand digital opportunities in every corner of the state.”
Through the BEAD program, the following organizations were selected for awards:
- Archtop Fiber LLC – $1,002,942
- Comcast Cable Communications Management LLC – $13,228,220
- Open Cape Corporation – $285,029
- Space Exploration Technologies Corp. – $2,238,472
- Verizon New England Inc. – $2,080,803
More information on the BEAD program in Massachusetts can be found on the MBI website.
About the 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 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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