Internet access lacking in many Massachusetts cities - The Boston Globe | June 29, 2022

"State officials have spent years expanding broadband access in rural communities. Now, their focus needs to turn to urban neighborhoods. That’s the major takeaway from a new report funded by the Massachusetts Competitive Partnership and researched in collaboration with local think tank MassINC. The report underscores how large portions of cities such as Lawrence and Fall River still lack adequate broadband access — something that the Competitive Partnership members, some of the state’s most prominent corporate chief executives, say should be considered an essential utility....

The report’s authors hope to take advantage of an influx of public broadband funds, including $50 million set aside by the state Legislature late last year to promote digital equity and increase broadband access and an estimated $500 million-plus over several years destined for Massachusetts from last year’s $1.2 trillion federal infrastructure bill.

Then there’s the new federal Affordable Connectivity Program, which provides $30 a month for low-income households for broadband bills. More targeted outreach is needed to help people overcome trust issues or fears of hidden charges levied by the telecom providers, the report says.

The report urges state officials to broaden the mission of the Massachusetts Broadband Institute beyond its initial charge of deploying rural broadband lines, to address digital inequities across the state and to craft a statewide digital equity plan that leverages private-sector expertise and coordinates regional efforts. The authors want the $50 million digital equity fund to provide planning grants to local community groups and to identify gaps in service from Internet service providers such as Comcast and Verizon. And they float the idea of a long-term funding model, such as a user service fee on Internet bills or a surcharge on device purchases...."