Wireless Broadband Hubs in Unserved Communities

Massachusetts and Local Linx Extend Wifi Hotspots to Assist COVID-19 Response

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Massachusetts Broadband Institute at MassTech and Local Linx worked with local internet service providers (ISPs) to offer WiFi indoor and outdoor hotspots to unserved municipalities that lack broadband access. This program was established in April 2020 for outdoor hotspots and in November 2020 MBI offered eligible communities the option to add an indoor hotspot free of charge to provide critical connectivity.  Existing hotspots in towns with last mile projects that were not completed by the end of 2021 were extended up to June 30, 2022.

• Of the hotspots that have been established in 26 towns through this program, there are currently active WiFi hotspots in 11 towns.

• These access points build off of the Commonwealth-owned MassBroadband 123 fiber-optic network. Each hotspot has been established at one of the community anchor institutions (CAIs) connected to the 1,200 mile fiber network in 2014.

• Each of the communities listed below has a temporary 250 Megabit per second (Mbps) wireless hotspot, which allows them to increase wireless broadband access for residents and students impacted by COVID-19 restrictions.

• Our thanks to Local Linx, town leaders and the ISPs – Access Plus, Crocker, Westfield Gas+Electric – for their help launching and maintaining these sites.

MBI expects that each community will provide residents with instructions on how to access the hotspots. 

The Commonwealth’s Last Mile program has invested over $55 million in direct grants to close broadband access gaps in 53 communities. Learn more about the Last Mile Program and the status of each project.