The Residential Internet Retrofit Program, a $22 million statewide program to provide high-speed Internet access to public and affordable housing for current and future occupants, was unveiled by the Massachusetts Broadband Institute (MBI) at MassTech.
Affordable and public housing operators have been invited to submit letters of interest to the Massachusetts Broadband Institute (MBI) of the Massachusetts Technology Collaborative (MassTech) regarding broadband infrastructure upgrades on their properties.
Service providers will receive funds to improve premises that meet the eligibility criteria.
MBI aims to improve the cabling, equipment and telecommunications infrastructure inside older residential complexes by bringing together Internet service providers (FAI) and landowners.
This initiative will allow residents to fully utilize the high-speed Internet service necessary for daily activities.
The U.S. Treasury’s Capital Projects Fund (CPF), a program established under the National American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), provides funds for the modernization program.
Under this program, Massachusetts will receive $175 million, a significant portion of which will go toward funding the Broadband Infrastructure Gap Networks grant program.
The MBI launched the program in October 2023 to help alleviate some of the expenses associated with introducing broadband to areas without broadband service.
According to a MassTech press release, “the effort will involve updating the wiring infrastructure of approximately 22,000 units in affordable housing developments across the state.”
MBI Director Michael Baldino says: “A significant portion of social housing buildings are over 50 years old. Low-income families living in these buildings face barriers to accessing the speeds offered by broadband service if the wiring in their apartments predates the Internet age.
Baldino added, “The renovation program will lead the charge to collaborate with property managers and then engage Internet service providers, who will work together to build state-of-the-art infrastructure that fully connects public and affordable housing to high-speed Internet. Speed.
State Rep. Tricia Farley-Bouvier (D-Pittsfield) said, “Internet access must be guaranteed and protected in the same way as other utilities like water, heat and electricity . »
“MBI’s Home Internet Retrofit in Affordable Housing program is a key step in ensuring that all residents of our Commonwealth have access to what should be a public service. »
Tricia Farley-Bouvier added: “This investment is progress towards ensuring that no resident is left without internet access due to lack of infrastructure or affordability issues, which are common problems both in my district and in the Berkshires.
Accommodation operators must submit an expression of interest using the MBI online form to participate in the program.
This form requests basic organizational data and addresses of all properties the operator wishes to submit that meet the program’s eligibility criteria.
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