Apartment Wi-Fi program offers no-cost internet infrastructure to housing entities 

Public and non-profit housing providers invited to submit letters of interest 

In-home broadband access is a key component of digital equity. Through our ongoing digital equity work, the Commission has identified affordability as one of the biggest challenges in bridging the digital divide. 

Apartment Wi-Fi, a program piloted in Greater Boston by the Metropolitan Area Planning Council (MAPC), aims to increase access to affordable and reliable high-speed internet for residents in communities that face barriers to connectivity and to increase sustainable internet access for individuals and families. First implemented in Chelsea, Revere, and Quincy, MAPC is expanding the program across the state, funded by a grant from the Massachusetts Broadband Institute’s Digital Equity Partnerships program. 

Access to affordable, reliable, high-speed internet is crucial for residents to fully participate in work, school, and society. MAPC is working with municipalities, public housing authorities, and affordable housing developers to build Wi-Fi networks for their residents and directly lower or eliminate the cost of Wi-Fi for some of the most in-need residents. 

MAPC is now accepting expressions of interest from public and non-profit affordable housing providers to participate in the Apartment Wi-Fi program. The program provides funding, project management, and procurement support to fund the construction of Wi-Fi networks that provide residents with service equal or superior to what is available from commercial internet service providers at no cost to residents. Funding covers all capital costs associated with network design, construction, equipment, and the first year of ongoing operating expenses. 

To start the process, please fill out this interest form: https://forms.gle/kmPKy3h7RPBPmcWH6