Mass Broadband Institute (MBI) is offering owners/operators of affordable and public housing two program options designed to increase access to high speed, affordable, and high quality broadband to residents.
Communities working to become more age- and dementia friendly are encouraged to partner with local housing organizations and housing owners/operators to apply for these programs and improve digital access for their residents.
MBI is asking public and affordable housing operators to complete a survey and, after collecting information, will determine eligibility that can lead to participation in one of the following programs:
Residential Retrofit
MBI will provide affordable housing properties with new or upgraded fiber broadband so that residents of affordable housing can access internet service options that are high-speed and offered at an affordable monthly price. Through this program, building owners will work with Internet Service Providers (ISPs) to design and install the fiber or CAT 6 cabling running to each affordable home.
Apartment WiFi
The Metropolitan Area Planning Council, with funding from MBI, will provide funding, project management, and procurement support and fund the construction of Wi-Fi networks which provide residents with equal or superior service than what is available from commercial ISPs, at no cost to residents. The funding provides for all capital costs associated with network design, construction, and equipment, and the first year of ongoing operating expenses. Participants of the Apartment WiFi program are expected to support ongoing operational expenses of the network.
The Metropolitan Area Planning Council, with funding from MBI, will provide funding, project management, and procurement support and fund the construction of Wi-Fi networks which provide residents with equal or superior service than what is available from commercial ISPs, at no cost to residents. The funding provides for all capital costs associated with network design, construction, and equipment, and the first year of ongoing operating expenses. Participants of the Apartment WiFi program are expected to support ongoing operational expenses of the network.
Following submission of this form, housing providers may be contacted for additional location specific information.