Mayor Edward A. Bettencourt, Jr. has announced that the city will study the feasibility of a public WiFi option for downtown Peabody as part of a larger plan to promote digital equity in the area.
Working in conjunction with the Massachusetts Broadband Institute (MBI), the city will begin a planning process designed to identify needs, interests, and key assets for enhanced internet access in downtown Peabody. The process will also help guide decision-making on a plan to promote digital equity amongst the area’s diverse population.
“During the past decade, downtown Peabody has undergone an historic revitalization and become a regional hub of people, culture, and commerce,” said Bettencourt. “We see expanded broadband access and digital equity as key to our continued growth and success.”
Bettencourt’s Chief of Staff Christopher Ryder said the city is still in the process of soliciting bids for the work and that, “based on what we’ve received so far,” the feasibility study will cost approximately $100,000.
“These costs will be borne by the Massachusetts Broadband Institute as part of the planning assistance award,” Ryder said.
The downtown study builds on the Central Street WiFi Campus project already underway. This innovative partnership, coordinated by the Essex County Community Foundation, aims to serve residents in Peabody Housing Authority properties on Central Street and support activities promoted by the Peabody Council on Aging at the Peter A. Torigian Senior Center. The MBI program is funded through the state’s American Rescue Plan Act allocation, with a goal to integrate with the Massachusetts Statewide Digital Equity Plan.
