Massachusetts announced this week that it will distribute nearly 27,000 internet-enabled devices to residents across the state through its Connected and Online Program, a $28.5 million initiative aimed at closing the digital divide in underserved communities.
Administered by the Massachusetts Broadband Institute (MBI), a division of the Massachusetts Technology Collaborative, the program will supply 26,368 laptops, tablets, and desktop computers to more than 200 organizations statewide, including nonprofits, hospitals, libraries, and organizations that serve youth and elders. The effort is funded through the U.S. Treasury’s Capital Projects Fund.
In addition to the devices, the Massachusetts program will also provide more than 20,000 pieces of supporting equipment, including monitors, assistive technology, and remote patient monitoring tools. Devices will be deployed in public spaces, such as schools and learning centers, or made available through free lending programs.
The initiative specifically targets Gateway Cities and rural communities — populations that have historically faced the steepest barriers to broadband access and digital participation. Participating organizations will conduct outreach to inform residents about borrowing opportunities.
Program leaders say the effort is about more than hardware. MBI Program Executive Jody Jones highlighted a partnership with Google that makes free artificial intelligence (AI) training available through the Massachusetts AI Hub, noting that putting devices in residents’ hands opens “new pathways to trainings and resources that can accelerate careers.”
The Connected and Online Program, launched last fall, is designed to complement MBI’s existing infrastructure investments, including the Gap Networks Grant Program, the Broadband Equity Access and Deployment (BEAD) program and the Residential Retrofit Program — a suite of initiatives working to expand both physical broadband connectivity and digital equity across the state.
Additional information about Massachusetts broadband, including state funding resources, grants made, BEAD news, state-specific coverage, and more can be found on the Telecompetitor Broadband Nation webpage for the state.
