First-round applications are due for the Massachusetts Broadband Institute’s $145 million Gap Networks Grant Program on Monday, December 11, 2023. The program is designed to fund the deployment of broadband infrastructure in areas that currently lack broadband throughout the Commonwealth to bridge the digital divide. Specifically, the program will fund the deployment of broadband infrastructure in those areas that currently lack access to sufficient broadband internet service, defined as service offering download speeds of at least 100 Mbps and upload speeds of at least 20 Mbps.
Projects funded through this program must be designed to deliver broadband service that meets or exceeds 100 Mbps symmetrical speeds. Locations that will be covered through a binding funding commitment from other federal or state funding sources are not eligible. Grant applicants are required to provide a minimum matching contribution of at least 20%, subject to limited waivers for certain municipally owned broadband infrastructure projects.
The program will score proposed projects in economically challenged areas more favorably, specifically Gateway Municipalities and those areas identified by HUD’s Qualified Census Tract program. Awardees will be required to participate in the Federal Communications Commission’s Affordable Connectivity Program, providing low-income consumers with subsidies for internet services.
Solicitation details and related documentation for the program can be found here.
The deadline for Round 1 applications is Monday, December 11, 2023.
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