Justice, Equity, and Community Development
Digital Equity Planning
SRPEDD has partnered with the Massachusetts Broad Institute to work within the region in an effort identify gaps in community digital access and to create a meaningful strategy for Broadband Equity Access Deployment.
Increasing Broadband Access for All
What is Digital Equity?
Participation in modern society requires a fast affordable internet, access to adequate devices, and the ability to navigate digital interfaces. Lack of digital access impacts many aspects of an individual's life. Without a stable internet connection, a student might not be able to participate in a lecture or complete at-home assignments. Most banking portals, financial assistance notifications, and job boards are online, access to a personal device,
Communities within the southeast region face these issues and SRPEDD is working to help municipalities prioritize digital equity and broadband expansion. It is important to hear from voices at all levels within our communities about ongoing digital equity initiatives and to create a plan that will ensure digital access for all.
Digital Asset Mapping
Digital Asset Mapping
In order to meaningfully deploy increased broadband access, we must first take an inventory of what community members across the Commonwealth and in our region are doing to close the digital equity gaps. As the regional planning agency, SRPEDD will work with our communities and survey existing programs, plans, and individual efforts made to close the digital equity gap.
We will work with our 27 communities to inventory the following assets using MBI's Asset Mapping Tool. This tool will assist in the preparation of the Massachusetts Statewide Digital Equity Plan and will inventory the following assets that are working towards bridging the digital equity gap:
- Programs
- Organizations
- Plans, Reports, or Other Data
- Individuals
- And More!
Municipal Digital Equity Program
Municipal Digital Equtiy Program
SRPEDD will work with communities to assist in enrolling in a formal digital equity plan. Similar to the Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness (MVP) program, the Municipal Digital Equity program will allow towns to develop a tailored approach toward expanding digital equity access for all.
3 out of 27 SRPEDD communities have enrolled in the program as of summer 2023 and we hope to work with local stakeholders and community members to enroll all our communities in the Municipal Digital Equity Program. Stay tuned for updates!
Resources
Our Region
SRPEDD Communities Enrolled in the Municipal Digital Equity Program
- Wareham
- Fairhaven
- New Bedford
Massachusetts Broadband Coalition
SRPREDD Commissioner Bob Espindola has identified himself as a leader and advocate for expanding broadband access in Massachusetts. He formed the Massachusetts Broadband Coalition (MBC) in 2023 to invite local leaders to share information and increase awareness around digital equity. Visit www.ma-bc.org to learn more and participate in their monthly meetings