city_hall

Official websites use .boston.gov

A .boston.gov website belongs to an official government organization in the City of Boston.

lock

Secure .gov websites use HTTPS

A lock or https:// means you've safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Last updated:

Broadband and Digital Equity

We're working to improve access to affordable and reliable high-speed Internet in Boston.

We want to make high-speed Internet more available in public places. We also want to make sure people have access to up-to-date digital tools.

We want residents to get the skills they need to find success in the 21st century. This effort will help us make sure Boston becomes a more fair and innovative City.

Internet Speed Survey

This anonymous survey will provide useful information about how internet is being used at home in our community and what barriers may exist. Completed surveys will enable the City of Boston to make informed decisions in our efforts to cement digital equity in our broadband and wireless infrastructure.

Internet Speed Survey

Key Definitions

Key Definitions
Broadband
  • High-speed Internet access given to you by an Internet service provider (ISP).
Equity
  • A proactive process of providing historically excluded communities with resources they need to live and thrive in Boston.
Inclusion
  • This requires intentional engagement of people from diverse communities. Our goal is to create and maintain structures that are welcoming and supportive of all. 

Digital Equity Fund

The fund supports programs that advance digital equity in Boston.

Learn about the fund

What we're working on

Households and businesses

We’re looking to create a more competitive broadband market in the City. You should be able to choose from many high-quality, affordable options.

Current projects
  • Working with City departments to streamline efforts related to broadband infrastructure.
  • Making the City’s fiber assets more accessible to companies.
  • Welcoming new cable and Internet competition to Boston.
  • Keeping an eye toward the future in the design and construction of Boston’s broadband environment.
  • Removing barriers that make it tough for Bostonians who live in apartment buildings to have multiple Internet options.
In the community

We’re making high-speed Internet more available in the places where you work, learn, play, and engage in civic life.

Current projects
  • Extending the Boston Fiber Optic Network (BoNET) to reach each Boston Public School.
  • Expanding Wicked Free Wi-Fi within Boston’s 20 Main Street districts.
Digital skills

We work to make sure community members and local businesses are equipped with digital tools and skills. We want everyone to get the chance to innovate and create the future for their communities and Boston.

Current projects
  • Working with groups who offer one-time and ongoing digital skills training. This includes basic computer and Internet use, coding, media production, and more.
  • Creating strategies to make the latest digital tools more available to community members.

Suggestions?

If you have any ideas for what the City of Boston can do to further close the digital divide, please let us know using this Google Form. Thank you! 

Suggestion Form
Back to top