Mass. Steps Up Digital Equity Efforts

The Massachusetts government unveiled digital equity efforts, at a livestreamed event Thursday. The state will launch a digital equity partnership program to help regional planning agencies, philanthropic foundations, and public and nonprofit service providers create programs to promote digital literacy, device availability, outreach and education, said Massachusetts Housing and Economic Development Secretary Mike Kennealy. Also, the state will have a municipal digital equity planning program to help local governments better understand their citizens’ needs and design strategies for future investments, he said. The efforts are key parts of the next stage of the state’s broadband strategy, which will tap about $350 million in state and federal funding, said Kennealy. Massachusetts seeks feedback on a new state mapping tool that went online Thursday, said Community Development Undersecretary Ashley Stolba: "We still have gaps ... all across the state." Also, the state is forming a broadband and digital equity working group composed of top industry officials, she said. Broadband “is like running water and electricity,” said outgoing Gov. Charlie Baker (R), who didn’t seek reelection and will be succeeded by current Attorney General Maura Healey (D). Broadband is “basic infrastructure,” said Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito (R).