WORCESTER—More than 1,000 public and affordable housing units in Worcester and nearby communities will soon receive reliable, high-speed internet through a $31.5 million statewide initiative announced by the Healey-Driscoll administration.
The funding, administered through the Massachusetts Broadband Institute’s (MBI) Residential Retrofit Program, is part of the state’s effort to improve internet access for low-income residents by addressing outdated infrastructure in public housing. The program is funded by the U.S. Treasury’s Capital Projects Fund through the American Rescue Plan Act.
In Worcester, 1,069 units are getting a boost across properties operated by several housing organizations. Beacon Residential Management Limited Partnership receives funding for 319 units, John M. Corcoran & Co. for 156 units, Spear Management Group Inc. for 274 units, and The Community Builders Inc. for 94 units. Worcester Common Ground, too, sees upgrades in 80 units, the Planning Office for Urban Affairs in 45 units, and South Middlesex Non-Profit Housing Corporation in 101 units.
Nearby communities also benefit, including 66 units in Webster, 76 in Northbridge, 36 in Westborough, and 40 in Upton. Southbridge will see upgrades in more than 200 units across two properties.
The improvements will include the installation of fiber-optic infrastructure, home-based equipment, and Wi-Fi service in both individual units and common areas. CBN Geneva LLC, one of the internet service providers receiving funding, will handle the upgrades for many of the Worcester-area sites.
“This program is about enhancing broadband connectivity for residents statewide,” said Interim Economic Development Secretary Ashley Stolba in the release. “With this funding, we’re making sure low-income residents have the same access to essential services, opportunities, and tools as everyone else, leading to a more connected and advanced economy.”
“Public and affordable housing residents deserve the same level of connectivity as everyone else,” added MBI Director Michael Baldino. “This funding helps level the playing field and connects families to everything from telehealth to remote learning.”
Participating housing organizations are also eligible for additional funding through the state’s RANGE program, which supports device access and digital skills training. Applications for RANGE grants are due by Sept. 26.
More information on the Residential Retrofit Program is available at broadband.masstech.org/retrofit.
