Massachusetts Broadband Institute Brings Free 100-1,000 Mbps Internet to 50 Chicopee Apartments
Updated
Updated · MassLive.com · Aug 5
Massachusetts Broadband Institute Brings Free 100-1,000 Mbps Internet to 50 Chicopee Apartments
2 articles · Updated · MassLive.com · Aug 5
Summary
All 50 units at Chicopee’s Dom Nardowy Polski senior affordable housing complex now have free broadband, with speeds ranging from 100 megabits per second to 1,000 Mbps.
American Rescue Plan Act funding supports the Massachusetts Broadband Institute’s Residential Retrofit Program, while Preservation of Affordable Housing is covering internet costs at the Cabot Street property and Aervivo is providing service.
Residents said the rollout is already cutting costs and building digital skills: Jose Perez estimated savings of more than $3,000 a year after also receiving classes, a certificate and a free laptop through Tech Foundry.
The Chicopee launch is part of a statewide effort reaching 29 properties; over two years, the program has awarded nearly $75 million to connect more than 33,000 public and affordable housing units in Massachusetts.