The Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration announced Massachusetts will get $6 million as its first grant through the Internet for All initiative.
The goal of these grants is to facilitate the deployment and access of high-speed internet across the nation, according to a news release issued Dec. 23.
“Increased broadband infrastructure will close the digital divide in Massachusetts with a focus on connecting rural and underserved communities. I thank Gov. Baker for the commitment to the Internet for All initiative,” Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo said, according to the release.
Massachusetts Sen. Edward Markey said too many of the state’s communities still lack access to reliable high-speed internet. He said this is critical for students to attend class, families and friends to stay connected and for seniors to communicate with their doctors, the release reported. These grant funds will enable the state to take a critical step toward closing the digital divide as they unlock the promise of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
“I will continue to push for transformative investments to ensure that high-speed internet access is not a luxury reserved only for the wealthy, but is available to every person across the Commonwealth,” Markey said in the release.
Massachusetts set priorities to use broadband and high-speed internet access to connect all communities. This access is critical for health care, education and economic growth, Gov. Charlie Baker said, according to the release. He said Massachusetts was deeply grateful to its federal partners.
“These BEAD and Digital Equity Act funds will allow the commonwealth to continue to engage with communities impacted by the digital divide to boost the rollout of new digital equity and broadband infrastructure programs,” Barker said, the release reported.
