Overview

Massachusetts Broadband Institute (MBI) is committed to bring affordable, reliable high-speed internet to every home in the Commonwealth.

The need for broadband in the 21st century is often compared to the need for electricity or phone service in previous centuries. Connectivity is a foundational pillar of a competitive economy. Broadband and Digital Inclusion are essential to fully participate in today’s society and critically important for our future prosperity. Achieving Internet for All will empower everyone in the Commonwealth to fully engage in their communities and realize their full potential.

State Digital Equity Plan

As the state's leading agency for broadband and connectivity, MBI is dedicated to bringing affordable, high-speed internet to every person in Massachusetts. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law has allocated $147 million to Massachusetts to expand high-speed internet access and digital equity programming across the state. The first step to deploying these funds was developing a strong plan, informed by organizational stakeholders and residents of the Commonwealth. Over the last year, MBI has led a planning effort that has resulted in the development of two guiding planning documents – a Statewide Digital Equity Plan and what is known as the Initial Proposal for the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program. These two documents create the Massachusetts Internet for All Plan.  

A Public Comment Period was facilitated the Fall of 2023 and a final State Digital Equity Plan has been approved by NTIA.

State Digital Equity Plan        Frequently Asked Questions         

Broadband Equity, Access & Deployment (BEAD) 

Authorized by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), the BEAD program provides funding to expand high-speed internet. The BEAD program allocates $147 million to Massachusetts with a prioritized focus on unserved and underserved locations (meaning locations that lack access to an internet connection of less than 100/20 mbps) followed by Community Anchor Institutions, organizations like libraries and schools that facilitate internet use.

In order to access funds, states are required to complete several planning activities. An Initial Proposal is the “first draft” of a Final Proposal for BEAD grant funding and outlines how Massachusetts will ensure that every resident has access to reliable, affordable, high-speed internet.

Volume I of the Initial Proposal details the Massachusetts’ plan for the BEAD Challenge Process. Volume II is the state's plan to implement programming for infrastructure and digital equity to achieve universal service. The BEAD Challenge Process is a crucial step to ensure the accuracy of internet availability data and maps. Learn more about the Challenge Process here.

Massachusetts Initial Proposal Volume I        Massachusetts Initial Proposal Volume II

Internet for All Listening Tour