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2024 DIGITAL EQUITY ASSESSMENT

To develop a comprehensive 2025 Digital Equity Plan, our most recent assessment allows us to understand internet access, device access, and digital literacy in Boston.

SHARE FEEDBACK with digital.equity@boston.gov.

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2024 Digital Equity Survey

Contact: Innovation and Technology

Find the 2024 Digital Equity Survey results, data-set, and share your feedback.

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2024 Digital Equity Survey

Our most recent assessment to understand Boston's internet access, device access, and digital skills.
2024 Survey Data Set

The data set from our 2024 Digital Equity Survey.

KEY TAKEAWAYS FOR COMMUNITY FEEDBACK

Contact: Innovation and Technology

DIGITAL EQUITY GAPS AND CITY PROGRESS

  • Over 133,000 Boston housing units lack access to fiber broadband, including more than half of Boston Housing Authority (BHA) developments.
  • 78,000 units have access to only one wireline provider, limiting competitive service and affordability options.
  • Nearly 51,000 households lost monthly broadband subsidies with the end of the federal Affordable Connectivity Program.
  • Boston's ACP enrollment (39%) exceeded state average (31%), reflecting strong local outreach.
  • 24% of residents find home internet unaffordable; 20% of households lack wireline service.
  • More than 48,000 households lack a desktop or laptop; 5.8% lack any internet-capable device.
  • One in four public housing residents lack home broadband; 28% cite cost as the reason.
  • Residents report frequent low connection speeds (25%) and dropped connections (22%).
  • 30-40% of priority populations lack confidence in job/benefit applications online.
  • City departments and BHA have greatly expanded digital equity programs, but future funding is uncertain.

STRATEGIC RECOMMENDATIONS FOR CLOSING THE DIGITAL DIVIDE

  • Develop a citywide strategy to expand fiber and free/low-cost broadband in BHA and affordable housing.
  • Promote enrollment in ISP-provided low-cost broadband programs (e.g., Internet Essentials, Starry Connect).
  • Explore new partnerships with ISPs, including single-payer agreements for free or bulk-subsidized internet access.
  • Continue funding for digital navigators and enrollment assistance beyond 2026.
  • Seek new funding to sustain the Digital Equity Fund's 30-plus community-based programs past ARPA deadlines.
  • Expand BHA's computer labs and Chromebook distribution program.
  • Upgrade and coordinate computer rooms across city departments and BHA facilities.
  • Increase Boston Public Library's device lending inventory.
  • Extend Wicked Free Wi-Fi to community hubs and transportation centers.
  • Apply for MBI's Municipal Digital Equity Implementation Program funding (up to $100,000) for targeted initiatives.
  • Leverage BoNet infrastructure to bring high-speed connectivity into more BHA community spaces.
  • Provide short-term hotspot lending as a bridge for residents waiting to qualify for low-cost plans.
  • Invest in multilingual outreach to increase awareness of digital access programs among immigrant communities.
  • Expand free digital skills classes tailored to specific populations (e.g., seniors, ESL learners, job seekers).
  • Create public-private partnerships to support refurbished device distribution and tech support services.
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