WORCESTER – The Healey-Driscoll Administration and the Massachusetts Broadband Institute (MBI), a division of the Massachusetts Technology Collaborative (MassTech), hosted the annual Massachusetts Goes DigitALL award ceremony Tuesday, Oct. 6 at Polar Park in Worcester to highlight achievements made across the broadband industry in 2026.
The awards, spotlighting the people, organizations and efforts driving progress on digital access and working to ensure every Massachusetts resident can effectively access and use the internet, were presented in the following categories: Digital Access Champion, Excellence in Community Impact, and Industry Partnership.
This year’s recipients are:
- Digital Access Champion Award: Revitalize CDC Digital Equity Navigator Andrew Fluitt
- Excellence in Community Impact Award: MakeIT Haverhill
- Industry Partnership Award: Comcast Corporation
“Congratulations to this year’s Massachusetts Goes DigitALL award winners,” said Governor Maura Healey. “Their work is helping more people across Massachusetts get connected, build digital skills and access new opportunities. We’re grateful for their leadership and partnership as we continue working to close the digital divide in every community.”
The digital access awardees represent communities from Western Mass to Greater Lowell, demonstrating MBI's commitment to serving all parts of Massachusetts. From broadband infrastructure deployment to community outreach, these awardees are involved in a range of efforts to close the digital divide.
“These award winners are making a real difference in communities across Massachusetts,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “They are bringing people together, expanding access and helping more residents take advantage of everything that comes with being connected. We’re proud to recognize their work and grateful for everything they do.”
The 2026 Massachusetts Goes DigitALL event also recognized recent statewide efforts to upgrade high-speed internet across the digital ecosystem.
In the past three years, MBI has allocated more than $80 million to upgrade internet in 35,000 affordable housing units and $100 million toward internet-ready devices and digital skills training. As a result, MBI has delivered nearly 52,000 devices and helped more than 93,000 residents learn digital navigation skills.
“Connecting people to the internet is only part of the work. They also need devices, digital skills and someone they trust to help them get started,” said Economic Development Secretary Eric Paley. “These award winners understand the barriers residents face and are helping them overcome those challenges, opening doors to jobs, education and business opportunities.”
“Congratulations to Andrew Fluitt, MakeIT Haverhill, and Comcast for their relentless work to close the digital divide," said MBI Director Michael Baldino. "MBI’s investments in broadband connectivity, digital skills support and devices are enabling residents to stay connected and pursue economic and educational opportunities. We couldn’t have done this without the effort of our partners; it’s critical we recognize and celebrate the milestones we've reached together."
Under the Gap Networks and Broadband Equity Access and Deployment (BEAD) programs, MBI will continue to serve locations statewide with updated broadband infrastructure. Together, these investments will ultimately make Massachusetts one of the first states in the country to reach 100% universal service.
“Massachusetts is leveraging relationships with digital leaders to educate and deliver services to residents most impacted by the digital divide,” said National Digital Inclusion Alliance Executive Director Angela Siefer, who served as keynote speaker at the 2026 Massachusetts Goes DigitALL awards. “The winners represent the best of digital inclusion and are evidence of a strong effort to advance digital opportunities for all communities across the state.”
By bringing together digital partners, the event focused on shaping the future of connectivity for Massachusetts residents, businesses and governments.
About the Massachusetts Broadband Institute at MassTech
The Massachusetts Broadband Institute (MBI), a division of the Massachusetts Technology Collaborative (MassTech), works to connect people, communities and organizations to quality, high-speed internet. To achieve this, MBI administers funding to expand and upgrade broadband infrastructure and tackle barriers to internet adoption so that every Massachusetts resident can fully participate in today’s economy and the modern world.
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