Revere, MAPC launch free Wi-Fi program for 100 public housing units in the city

Data from an American Community Survey indicates that nearly 16% of households in Revere do not have internet access.

The Metropolitan Area Planning Council (MAPC), the City of Revere and the Revere Housing Authority celebrated the launch of the first “Apartment Wi-Fi” program to increase access to affordable and reliable high-speed internet for residents of Greater Boston. The organizations worked together to procure, contract and implement a solution that provides internet access to all residents in the 148-172 Pomona St. and 10-96 Rose St. properties – 100 units of all family-style housing. Funding for the program was provided by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and the Massachusetts Broadband Institute (MBI) at MassTech from the state’s Economic Recovery program.

“Today we’re grateful to be able take advantage of the opportunity presented to us – an opportunity to bridge the digital divide for our residents,” said Revere Housing Authority Executive Director Dean Harris. “We have worked closely with the Massachusetts Broadband Institute, MAPC, and the City of Revere for nearly two years to make this project a reality, and we know it will have a significant impact on our residents’ lives.”

The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated the digital divide and showed that internet access is no longer a luxury. Many vital services, from education and healthcare to civic engagement, now exist mostly online, and thus having the means to access the internet is a necessity. In 2022,MAPC launched the Commonwealth’s first regional digital access plan after a comprehensive planning process with the Cities of Chelsea, Everett and Revere.

Despite being part of the most technologically advanced region in the world, responses to the 2016-2020 American Community Survey indicate that 15.7% of households in Revere do not have internet access at home. More than 8,600 households across the three communities lack access, and statewide, 10% of households do not have internet at home.

“Access to Wi-Fi is not just a luxury, but a necessity in our modern society. We are excited to expand access to our residents that need it the most,” said Acting Mayor Patrick Keefe. “It is about more than just connection; it’s about equity. It empowers communities, fosters learning and career growth, and propels us towards a more inclusive future.”

“MAPC is thrilled to be able to bring our procurement and planning expertise, and our deep relationships with cities and towns, to ensure that residents are getting reliable high-speed internet that our lives today require,” said MAPC Deputy Director Lizzi Weyant. “We put digital equity into practice by making high-speed internet a reality for all of our residents in all of our communities, in every corner of the Commonwealth.”

In addition to the free Wi-Fi, residents of the aforementioned Rose and Pomona Street properties will also have access to a 24/7 helpdesk for troubleshooting any connectivity issues. If an issue is not resolved and unrelated to the network provided, residents will be connected to other services providers, including the Revere Digital Navigators – staffed by the City of Revere.

Through the Apartment Wi-Fi program, MAPC works with municipalities, public housing authorities and affordable housing developers to build Wi-Fi networks for their residents. The program provides funding, project management and procurement support to fund the construction of Wi-Fi networks, which provide residents with equal or superior service than what is available from commercial ISPs, at no cost to residents. Funding covers all capital costs associated with network design, construction and equipment, and the first year of ongoing operating expenses.

Digital equity plays a crucial role in several action areas laid out in MetroCommon 2050, Greater Boston’s regional land use and policy plan. MAPC’s Digital Equity team works at the municipal, community and individual level to overcome these barriers through digital equity planning, procurement and community engagement.