Healey-Driscoll Administration Directs $10.4 Million to Revamp Public Housing Internet in Every Region of Massachusetts

BOSTON, Mass. – The Healey-Driscoll administration and the Massachusetts Technology Collaborative’s (MassTech) Massachusetts Broadband Institute (MBI) today announced $10,410,183 in grants to upgrade internet access in nearly 8,000 public and affordable housing across 26 Massachusetts communities. MBI provided the awards through the Residential Retrofit Program, an initiative that works with housing operators and internet service providers (ISPs) to upgrade broadband infrastructure in public and affordable housing properties.

The projects will install modern cabling in each unit, increasing residents’ access to high-quality, reliable and affordable broadband service. The Residential Retrofit Program prioritizes ISPs that offer affordable, quality service to decrease the cost of access.

"The internet is an essential tool for participating in today’s economy and we are committed to expanding access to every region of the state," said Governor Maura Healey. "Our efforts start with providing access to communities that have been neglected for far too long and empowering them with the tools to expand their network, access essential services and advance their careers.”

"When residents are better connected, it opens a world of new possibilities in both their professional and private lives," said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. "The Residential Retrofit Program is a transformative investment in communities across the state and demonstrates Massachusetts’ commitment to advancing the internet for everyone."

MBI launched the Retrofit program in February 2024. The first round of awards, which totaled $6.3 million and targeted infrastructure in more than 3,000 housing units, followed in December 2024. On January 23, 2025, MBI announced $12.6 million to expand internet access in 96 cities and towns through its Gap Networks Program, which funds the deployment of broadband infrastructure to connect unserved and underserved communities across Massachusetts.

Funding for both programs comes from the U.S. Treasury’s Capital Projects Fund through the American Rescue Plan Act.

"The Residential Retrofit Program is making smart, targeted investments to ensure future generations have the critical access they need to succeed in the modern economy," said Massachusetts Economic Development Secretary Yvonne Hao. "We have made substantial progress in tackling connectivity gaps statewide. When we strengthen internet access, we expand output, grow businesses, create jobs and make Massachusetts a home for economic opportunity."

"The Residential Retrofit Program is part of MBI’s comprehensive approach to promote internet access statewide," said MBI Director Michael Baldino. "MBI has built a digital ecosystem that is focused on expanding access across the state. As we work toward universal access in Massachusetts, we pay particular attention to underserved communities and working with our on-the-ground partners to ensure they have affordable, reliable access."

Listed below are the providers and public housing operators receiving awards:

Aervivo Inc. ($6,349,108 for 6,446 housing units) 
Aervivo Inc.’s Connectivity Platform enables partners to deploy fiber-grade hybrid networks to small and large communities across the state. In their proposal for the Residential Retrofit Program, Aervivo Inc. offered income-eligible broadband plans of at least 100Mbps/100Mbps and up to 1000Mbps/1000Mbps within each property they serve.
 

Archtop Fiber Inc. ($379,488 for 192 housing units) 
Archtop Fiber is an ISP specializing in acquiring, constructing and operating modern fiber optic networks. Archtop’s Network Design is 100 percent fiber optic and will reliably provide 8Gbps symmetrical service.

Comcast Cable Communications ($2,158,979 for 740 housing units) 
Comcast operates one of the largest fiber deployments in the nation. In their proposal, Comcast offered income-eligible broadband plans of at least 100Mbps/100Mbps for each property they serve.

RingSquared APC LLC DBA AccessPlus ($1,522,607 for 587 housing units) 
RingSquared APC LLC DBA AccessPlus will provide these project groups with high-speed broadband service delivered over an end-to-end fiber network. In their proposal, RingSquared offered income-eligible broadband plans of at least 500Mbps/500Mbps within each property they serve.

MBI is currently seeking eligible housing operators for future funding under the Residential Retrofit Program. As a first step, housing operators must fill out an expression of interest by Friday, March 28 to be considered.

About the Massachusetts Broadband Institute at MassTech

A division of the Massachusetts Technology Collaborative, Massachusetts Broadband Institute (MBI) is working to extend high-speed internet access and availability across the state. To achieve this, MBI uses state and federal funding to launch infrastructure expansion programs that target areas of the state that lack high-speed internet access as well as digital equity programs that tackle barriers to internet adoption and increase availability, addressing critical issues around affordability, enhanced public Wi-Fi, the need for internet-enabled devices, and digital literacy training.

Learn more at https://broadband.masstech.org.