Massachusetts State Broadband Office

The Massachusetts Broadband Institute is the state broadband coordinator.

Governor Charlie Baker announced in January a new $9 million initiative entitled Mass Internet Connect, to improve broadband internet access in communities that lack reliable access.

From the American Rescue Plan, Massachusetts will receive $3.4 billion in general infrastructure. Municipal aid is based on population.

The overall amount reserved for broadband funding is not calculated at this time.

Today, Statewide Broadband programs from this office include the Mass Internet Connect to assist unemployed residents with tools, services and internet connections needed for employment.

The program partners with commercial service providers such as Comcast, Spectrum, and Verizon alongside Massachusetts Broadband Institute’s Last Mile Program to support broadband services for underserved communities.

The Wifi Hotspots program, as a collaboration with the Massachusetts Broadband Institute and local ISPs, to offer indoor and outdoor hotspots to underserved communities.

Funding available includes:

• The Gateway Cities Program, intended to award grants to gateway cities and organizations to implement broadband access to gateway cities
• The Flexible Grant Program, a competitive $40 million grant program to support last mile broadband connectivity in Central and Western Massachusetts.

Massachusetts is rated in the top 10 best states for broadband coverage. 95% of the state obtains broadband coverage of 25 mbps, while only 43% of residents do not have access to low-priced broadband plans.