Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program Benefit of the Bargain Grant

The Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program in Massachusetts, led by the Massachusetts Technology Collaborative, aims to enhance broadband access to underserved areas. With a funding allocation of $147 million, the program seeks to provide high-speed internet to homes, businesses, and community institutions. Internet Service Providers (ISPs) are invited to apply for funding to increase serviceable locations and support digital equity initiatives, ensuring reliable internet access for all.

Massachusetts Technology Collaborative and the Massachusetts Broadband Institute
The Massachusetts Technology Collaborative (“MassTech”) is an independent public instrumentality of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts chartered to serve as a catalyst for growing its innovation economy. MassTech brings together leaders from industry, academia, and government to advance technology-focused solutions that lead to economic growth, job creation, and public benefits.
Massachusetts Broadband Institute (“MBI”), a division of MassTech, serves as the broadband office for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Massachusetts Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program Benefit of the Bargain Grant
Massachusetts Technology Collaborative is issuing this Solicitation for the Benefit of the Bargain (B.O.B.) Round of the Broadband, Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Grant Program to solicit project applications seeking funding for increasing broadband access. This round includes Broadband Serviceable Locations (BSLs) and Community Anchor Institutions (CAIs). Internet Service Providers (ISPs) that have already been qualified by MBI may proceed directly to complete and submit project application(s). ISPs that have not successfully completed the qualification process through either the BEAD Prequalification or the BEAD Round 1 Deployment solicitation still have the opportunity to apply for BEAD funding. These ISPs are required to submit BEAD qualification information and documentation as part of the response to the Benefit of the Bargain grant solicitation.
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts has been allocated BEAD funding totaling $147 million to support expansion of broadband access to Unserved and Underserved Locations
Solicitation Objectives
The Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment (“BEAD”) funding program in Massachusetts aims to provide universal broadband access and support digital equity initiatives. The goal is that by the end of the BEAD Program, Massachusetts will achieve universal broadband access, serving all unserved and underserved broadband serviceable locations (BSLs), using reliable broadband technology at speeds of at least 100 Mbps / 20 Mbps.