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Two documents have guided the Bay State’s Internet for All Plan, the Statewide Digital Equity Plan and the Initial Proposal for the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program, according to the state’s technology collaborative.
The Massachusetts Broadband Institute (MBI), a division of the Massachusetts Technology Collaborative with the mission of extending high-speed internet access and availability across the state, has launched a public comment period to solicit feedback about the state’s Internet for All Plan.
An announcement from the Massachusetts Technology Collaborative said the state’s broadband institute wants input from residents, municipalities, and organizational stakeholders before Massachusetts deploys over $145 million in funds for broadband.
Two documents have guided the state’s Internet for All Plan: The Statewide Digital Equity Plan and the state’s initial proposal for the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program, according to the state’s technology collaborative. An executive summary for both plans is also available online, the collaborative stated.
“Residents are encouraged to review the plans and provide direction, suggestions, and data in response to direct future digital equity efforts and community investments,” a Nov. 14 statement from the Massachusetts Technology Collaborative said.
Helpful public comments include substantive data, facts, and opinions, along with testimonials of lived experience, the collaborative said.
The past few months have been busy for the Massachusetts Technology Collaborative. In October, the collaborative launched the Gap Networks Grant Program, which is aimed at expanding access in unserved and underserved locations throughout Massachusetts.
The Municipal Digital Equity Planning Program, which falls under the umbrella of the Massachusetts Broadband Office, is also currently accepting applications.
“The Digital Equity Partnerships Program consists of six connectivity initiatives, including enhanced WiFi Access, modernization of public space internet, connectivity initiatives for those facing economic hardship, digital literacy efforts, device distribution and refurbishment, and education, outreach, and adoption programming,” the Massachusetts Technology Collaborative’s recent announcement stated.
Public comments on the state’s Internet for All Plan can be submitted electronically and applications for the Gap Networks Grant Program will be accepted until December 11, 2023, the collaborative’s statement said.
