Digital Literacy and Technology Assistance for Single Mothers in Massachusetts

Digital Literacy & Technology Assistance for Single Mothers in Massachusetts

Last updated: September 2025

Bold verification note: Last verified September 2025, next review April January 2026.

If You Only Do 3 Things — Emergency Actions to Take

Call the state consumer hotline to stop an internet or phone shutoff today, and ask for a hardship review; use the Department of Telecommunications and Cable’s consumer line at 1-800-392-6066 and the Department of Public Utilities’ Consumer Division at 1-877-886-5066 for electric, gas, or investor‑owned water issues; find contacts on Mass.gov DTC Lifeline Services and Mass.gov DPU Consumer Complaints. (mass.gov)
Borrow free internet for three weeks using a library Wi‑Fi hotspot, or borrow a Chromebook + hotspot kit for 21 days from Boston Public Library’s Hotspots and BPL Chromebook Kits; ask staff to place a hold if none are available. (bpl.org)
Apply online for Lifeline phone or internet support through the USAC National Verifier and then select a provider such as Assurance Wireless Lifeline in Massachusetts; expect online eligibility decisions within a few days. (usac.org)

Quick Help Box — Keep These Contacts Handy

State telecom help: Department of Telecommunications and Cable (DTC) consumer hotline 1-800-392-6066 and main line 1-617-305-3580; use email listed on DTC contacts to file complaints. (mass.gov)
Utility shutoff help: Department of Public Utilities (DPU) Consumer Division 1-877-886-5066 and 1-617-737-2836; read protections for households with infants or serious illness on Mass.gov protections. (mass.gov)
Library tech classes + one‑on‑one help: Boston Public Library Computer & Technology Classes; call Community Learning 1-617-859-2323 for appointments listed on BPL Community Learning Center. (bpl.org)
Statewide referrals 24/7: Dial 2‑1‑1 for Mass 211 or use United Way Central MA’s page for links; multilingual and TTY help available anytime. (berkshireunitedway.org)
Digital skills + device options: Tech Goes Home offers 15‑hour courses with a Chromebook and optional 12 months of internet; check TGH program overview for current class listings. (techgoeshome.org)

What’s Changed in 2025 (and What That Means for You)

Most important update: the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) ended on May 31, 2024, and applications closed in February 2024; households no longer receive the monthly ACP discount unless Congress renews funding, as confirmed by the FCC’s ACP closure notice and wind‑down guidance. Many internet providers created low‑cost plans, but they are not ACP subsidies; confirm price, fees, and speed before you switch. (fcc.gov)

Massachusetts is investing new dollars in digital equity; MBI’s Launchpad Program will award $9.44 mi ll i o n t o p ro j ec t s t ha t e x p an d Wi ‑ F i, d e v i ces, an dd i g i t a l s ki ll s, an d t h es t a t e ann o u n ce d * [$ 19 million for partnerships](https://broadband.masstech.org/news/healey-driscoll-administration-announces-19-million-statewide-digital-equity-efforts)* in January 2025; nine municipalities received additional local grants in August 2025. Check your town hall or library for new device or training options funded by these grants. (broadband.masstech.org)

Boston is scaling digital help through the City’s 2025 Digital Equity Plan and Wicked Free Wi‑Fi expansions; the City’s DigLit initiative added $1 million in March 2025 to embed digital skills in job programs. Ask local centers if DigLit‑funded laptops, hotspots, or classes are available now. (boston.gov)

What to do if this doesn’t work — use Mass 211 to locate a nearby nonprofit offering digital navigators; also look up local training on MassHire Career Centers and ask about device loans or class‑linked Chromebooks. (berkshireunitedway.org)

The Fastest Ways to Get Online at Low or No Cost

Start with options you can act on today. Many have same‑day or next‑day results.

Borrow internet or a device immediately

Reserve a hotspot for 21 days from BPL’s Hotspot Lending, or borrow a 21‑day Chromebook kit from BPL’s Connectivity Kits; holds are allowed, and overdue devices are disabled to protect inventory. (bpl.org)
Ask your town library network (for example, Minuteman Library Network and local sites like Weston Public Library Hotspots) for hotspot loans; rules vary by branch (often 21‑day loans, one per household). (minlib.net)

What to do if this doesn’t work — call BPL’s Community Learning at 1-617-859-2323 via BPL tech classes, or use Mass 211 to find another library with hotspots available now. (bpl.org)

Apply for Lifeline for phone or home internet

Apply online using the USAC National Verifier, which checks income or benefits like SNAP or Medicaid; Lifeline is a federal program that discounts one service (phone or home internet) per household, usually up to $9.25 monthly. (usac.org)
After approval, pick a provider; options in Massachusetts include Assurance Wireless and others listed by Massachusetts Legal Help’s Lifeline page. Plans often include a free phone and several GB of data each month. (assurancewireless.com)

What to do if this doesn’t work — call DTC at 1-800-392-6066 on Lifeline Services for help troubleshooting National Verifier issues, or ask a digital navigator at Tech Goes Home to walk you through the steps. (mass.gov)

Consider low‑cost home internet plans (non‑ACP)

Check “social” plans from major providers serving Massachusetts: Spectrum Internet Assist (advertised 50 Mbps for $25/ m o n t h, n oco n t r a c t s), * [X f ini t y I n t er n e tE sse n t ia l s] (h ttp s : // www . x f ini t y . co m / l e a r n / in t er n e t - ser v i ce / in t er n e t - esse n t ia l s / t er m s - an d - co n d i t i o n s) * ($ 14.95/month for 75/10 Mbps or $29.95/month for 100/20 Mbps), and Verizon Forward discount on Fios, LTE, or 5G Home if you meet income or program criteria. Verify eligibility and fine print before you switch. (spectrum.com)
If you live in public or affordable housing where the building participates, ask about Starry Connect (commonly $15/month for 30/30 Mbps with no data caps in supported properties); building participation is required. (brooklinetownnews.com)

What to do if this doesn’t work — use the City of Boston’s Digital Equity Resources and the national locator at EveryoneOn to compare options by ZIP code; also call your library to ask if a staff member can help you sign up. (boston.gov)

Quick Table — Low‑Cost Internet Options You Can Use in Massachusetts

Plan	Who It’s For	Typical Price	Speed (advertised)	Key Notes
Xfinity Internet Essentials	SNAP/Medicaid/WIC and similar	$14.95 or$ 29.95	75/10 or 100/20 Mbps	No contract; device option $149.99; check fees. Internet Essentials terms. (xfinity.com)
Spectrum Internet Assist	Households on qualifying benefits	$25	50 Mbps	Modem included, no data caps; Wi‑Fi extra; “Advantage” 100 Mbps for $30. Spectrum SIA. (spectrum.com)
Verizon Forward (Fios/5G/LTE Home)	Income ≤200% FPL, WIC, Lifeline, Pell	Discount up to ~ $20-$ 30	Varies by plan	One discount per address; check Verizon Forward eligibility. (verizon.com)
Starry Connect (in supported buildings)	Residents in participating public/affordable housing	~$15	~30/30 Mbps	Only available where building is enabled; contact property manager. BHA/Brookline example. (brooklinetownnews.com)
Human‑I‑T Mobile Citizen hotspot	Low‑income households	~$15 + device fee	4G LTE (varies)	No contract; eligibility required. Human‑I‑T plans. (human-i-t.zendesk.com)

What to do if this doesn’t work — ask your city’s digital equity office (Boston: digital.equity@boston.gov) to confirm any local building Wi‑Fi projects funded through MBI partnerships or Launchpad. (broadband.masstech.org)

Free and Low‑Cost Devices — Where to Get a Computer You Can Rely On

Try a class‑linked device: Tech Goes Home offers a Chromebook or iPad after about 15 hours of training, plus up to 12 months of internet if needed; programs run statewide with partners like schools and housing agencies. (techgoeshome.org)
Buy refurbished: PCs for People sells low‑cost laptops and desktops to income‑eligible families, and Human‑I‑T offers refurbished devices with member discounts and phone support. Check warranty terms before purchase. (pcsforpeople.org)
Borrow a Chromebook from the library: BPL Chromebook Kits are free for 21 days; many libraries offer similar loans through their networks, such as Worcester Public Library’s Library of Things. (bpl.org)

What to do if this doesn’t work — ask your Council on Aging about device loan programs funded by the Executive Office of Elder Affairs’ digital literacy grants if you are supporting or living with an older adult; some programs have intergenerational tech help. (mass.gov)

Table — Device Options and Typical Costs

Source	Eligibility	Typical Cost	Warranty/Notes
Tech Goes Home (Chromebook/iPad)	Enroll + complete course	Included with class	15 hours training; 12 months internet if needed. TGH overview. (techgoeshome.org)
PCs for People (refurbished)	Income‑eligible	$75-$ 200+	1‑year hardware warranty; online or shipped. PCs for People. (pcsforpeople.org)
Human‑I‑T devices	Income‑eligible	Varies	Member discount; support line 888‑391‑7249. Human‑I‑T FAQ. (store.human-i-t.org)
Library Chromebook loan	Library card + no outstanding blocks	Free (loan)	BPL: 21‑day loan; fines for lost/damaged. BPL kits. (bpl.org)

Where to Learn Digital Skills for Work, School, and Daily Life

Take a free class at your library; see BPL Computer & Technology Classes, including one‑on‑one Tech Lab help, and ask about hotspot lending through BPL Hotspots. Many branches use Northstar Digital Literacy for assessments and certificates. (bpl.org)
Join a Tech Goes Home course; check TGH programs for adults and look for partner sites near you on the TGH site. Graduates earn a device and, if needed, internet support. (techgoeshome.org)
Use workforce resources; visit MassHire Career Centers for digital coaching and workshops, such as MassHire Downtown Boston’s Digital Literacy Program and county centers like MassHire Central (Worcester). (mass.gov)
Need online classes at home? MassLINKS Online Academy (DESE‑funded) offers free GED/HiSET and ESOL with digital help; find other adult programs through the Massachusetts Adult Education Help Desk and MBLC Literacy Resources. (mwcc.edu)

What to do if this doesn’t work — contact Boston’s Digital Equity team or email digital.equity@boston.gov to ask about drop‑in “tech help” sessions, or join community programs listed on ALI (Adult Literacy Initiative). (boston.gov)

Table — Training Options and What You Get

Provider	What You Learn	Perks
BPL tech classes	Basics, email, job tools, eBooks, mobile	Free classes; one‑on‑one help; hotspot/Chromebook loans via BPL. (bpl.org)
Tech Goes Home	15‑hour digital skills for families/adults	Device at graduation + up to 12 months internet; statewide partners. TGH. (techgoeshome.org)
MassHire career centers	Computer basics, Google Docs, resume tools	Free coaching; access to job leads and training funds via MassHire. (mass.gov)
MassLINKS	Online ESOL and GED/HiSET with tech support	Classes at home; staff help with technology. MassLINKS. (mwcc.edu)

How to Stop Internet or Utility Shutoff in Massachusetts Today

If your internet/phone is being disconnected, contact the state first and your provider second.

Call the telecom regulator at the DTC consumer hotline 1-800-392-6066 to file a complaint and request a same‑day escalation; for energy or investor‑owned water, call the DPU Consumer Division at 1-877-886-5066 to trigger shutoff protections if you have a serious illness, a baby under 12 months, or winter heat needs. (mass.gov)
Ask your provider for a hardship payment plan and to move you to a low‑cost plan such as Spectrum Internet Assist or Xfinity’s Essentials; explain you are a single parent and request fee waivers. (spectrum.com)

What to do if this doesn’t work — contact Massachusetts Legal Help (utilities guide) and ask for legal services; you can also file a written complaint with DPU via the online form on Mass.gov DPU complaints. (masslegalhelp.org)

Internet On the Go and Budget Phone Plans

Consider prepaid phone plans with clear prices; Connect by T‑Mobile lists $15 f or 5 GB an d$ 25 for 8 GB Broadband Facts; for home 5G, check coverage and promotions on providers’ sites. (prepaid.t-mobile.com)
Use Lifeline if you qualify; pick a provider such as Assurance Wireless MA (free plan with several GB of data) after your USAC Lifeline approval. (assurancewireless.com)

What to do if this doesn’t work — call DTC at 1-800-392-6066 on Lifeline Services to report enrollment issues or inaccessible devices; the FCC has taken enforcement actions when accessibility fails. (mass.gov)

Public Wi‑Fi and Safe Spaces to Work

Boston’s outdoor Wicked Free Wi‑Fi covers plazas like Nubian and Mattapan Squares; speeds and availability vary outdoors and by weather. Use a VPN for sensitive tasks. (boston.gov)
Many libraries and community centers maintain indoor Wi‑Fi; ask your branch through MBLC’s library directory and check Minuteman Library Network for your local library’s computer lab hours. (mblc.state.ma.us)

What to do if this doesn’t work — use hotspot lending at your library (see BPL hotspots), or ask your city digital equity office on Boston.gov Digital Equity for current free Wi‑Fi maps. (bpl.org)

Safety First — Avoid Online Scams, Identity Theft, and “Junk Fees”

Learn to spot phishing texts (“smishing”) and fake QR codes from Boston’s Trending Scams page; report state‑related identity theft through the Office of Consumer Affairs hotline 1-617-973-8787. (content.boston.gov)
If you receive fake RMV texts, ignore links and only use Mass.gov/RMV or the FBI’s IC3 form to report; local alerts have increased this summer. (axios.com)

What to do if this doesn’t work — ask your library’s tech staff through BPL tech classes to review your device for malware, or consult OCABR events for upcoming in‑person fraud‑prevention sessions. (bpl.org)

Local Organizations, Charities, Churches, and Support Groups

Boston area: Action for Boston Community Development (ABCD) hosts digital navigators and referrals; Boston Chinatown Neighborhood Center and Catholic Charities El Centro provide ESOL with embedded digital literacy. (careercenter.emmanuel.edu)
Statewide digital inclusion: Tech Goes Home partners with schools and housing; NDIA Digital Navigator model can help you find navigators via local coalitions, libraries, and community action agencies. (techgoeshome.org)
Western MA: The Literacy Project offers adult basic education and digital literacy; Urban League of Springfield runs a Digital Learning Lab. (literacyproject.org)

What to do if this doesn’t work — dial Mass 211 or ask your MassHire Career Center for a referral to a digital navigator program near you. (berkshireunitedway.org)

Diverse Communities — Tailored Help That Respects Your Needs

LGBTQ+ single mothers: Tech Goes Home courses welcome LGBTQ+ families and often run at inclusive sites; anti‑fraud tips from Boston’s Trending Scams help protect online privacy and identity. Ask for privacy settings help in one‑on‑one sessions at BPL tech labs. (content.boston.gov)

Single mothers with disabilities or disabled children: Massachusetts Equipment Distribution Program (MassEDP) provides specialized landline or wireless phones at reduced cost; call for large‑print applications or request TTY support via DTC contacts. Bring medical documentation if asked for Lifeline or shutoff protections; DPU recognizes serious illness protections as listed on Mass.gov. (mass.gov)

Veteran single mothers: Connect with the Executive Office of Veterans’ Services (EOVS) and the Women Veterans Network for Chapter 115 assistance, peer groups, and referrals; use the veteran service officer (VSO) finder on EOVS. (mass.gov)

Immigrant and refugee single moms: Find ESOL and citizenship help through the MIRA Coalition resources and online ESOL via MassLINKS; ask your program about loaner devices or digital navigator support. For scams targeting immigrants, use Mass Legal Services updates. (miracoalition.org)

Tribal and Indigenous families: Lifeline offers higher benefits on Tribal lands; verify eligibility with USAC Lifeline and ask your local housing authority or MBI partners about community Wi‑Fi projects. (usac.org)

Rural single moms with limited access: Check provider buildouts and low‑cost fixed‑wireless options (e.g., Verizon Forward or building Wi‑Fi via MBI programs) and ask your library about hotspot loans; apply for Lifeline to reduce monthly costs if service is available. (verizon.com)

Single fathers (co‑parents): All programs here apply regardless of gender; use MassHire Career Centers for skills, and BPL classes for tech help. If you share custody, request your own library card and accounts to borrow devices independently. (mass.gov)

Language access: Libraries and MassHire centers can arrange interpreters; many sites have multilingual materials (for example, BPL ESOL page and City reports in multiple languages on Boston Housing Strategy 2025). Ask for translated tech handouts, or use live interpreter lines through your agency. (bpl.org)

What to do if this doesn’t work — ask your program to email the DTC’s accessibility coordinator on Lifeline Services or request reasonable accommodations during enrollment. (mass.gov)

Resources by Region — Who to Call and Where to Go

Greater Boston: Use BPL Hotspots and Kits and BPL Computer Classes; email digital.equity@boston.gov via the City’s Digital Equity page for navigator hours and Wicked Free Wi‑Fi locations. (bpl.org)

Worcester County: Contact Worcester Public Library about hotspot/“Library of Things” loans and use MassHire Central (Worcester) for coaching; the Urban League of Eastern Massachusetts offers workforce programs that include digital skills. (mywpl.libguides.com)

Western Massachusetts: Try The Literacy Project for reading, GED, and digital literacy; call 2‑1‑1 via Mass 211 for device and navigator referrals; check Urban League of Springfield for lab hours. (literacyproject.org)

North Shore & Merrimack Valley: Use your local library network and MassHire North Shore Career Center for webinars and workshops; Catholic Charities ELLA – Lynn includes digital skills in career pathways. (masshire-nscareers.org)

South Coast, Brockton, Cape & Islands: Find hotspots via your library network and device classes at community nonprofits; ask MassHire Bristol about intro computer clinics and YWCA Southeastern MA workshops for digital communication skills. (masshirebristol.org)

What to do if this doesn’t work — call your regional MassHire Career Center and ask for a “digital navigator” referral funded by MBI’s partnerships or local municipal grants. (mass.gov)

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Missing the fine print on “low‑cost” plans. Confirm modem fees, Wi‑Fi fees, taxes, and whether promotional pricing expires; Spectrum Internet Assist and Internet Essentials list speeds and fees in official terms. (spectrum.com)
Waiting to apply for Lifeline until after a shutoff. Start with the USAC National Verifier and then choose a provider like Assurance Wireless MA; you generally have 90 days to select a company after approval. (usac.org)
Relying on ACP discounts that no longer exist. The FCC ended ACP as of May 31, 2024; now compare non‑ACP low‑cost plans and library loans to avoid surprise bills. (fcc.gov)

Reality Check

Funding and inventory come and go. Library hotspots or Chromebook kits may have waitlists, and device programs can pause when supplies are low. Expect 1‑3 weeks for high‑demand loans at places like BPL hotspots, and 2‑8 weeks to enter a Tech Goes Home class depending on the site. Verify availability before taking time off or arranging childcare. (bpl.org)

Grant‑funded projects are rolling out throughout 2025; MBI expects Launchpad award notices around September 2025; check MBI Launchpad and your town’s website for updates. (broadband.masstech.org)

What to do if this doesn’t work — put your name on multiple waiting lists (library, Tech Goes Home, adult education), ask about cancellations, and bookmark Digital Equity Resources (Boston) for new openings. (boston.gov)

Quick Reference Cheat Sheet

Need internet today? Borrow a hotspot or Chromebook kit from BPL or your local branch; place holds online. (bpl.org)
Lower a phone or internet bill? Apply for Lifeline then choose a provider like Assurance Wireless MA; call DTC at 1-800-392-6066 for help. (usac.org)
Skill up fast? Enroll in Tech Goes Home or MassHire digital coaching; ask about a device at graduation. (techgoeshome.org)
Public Wi‑Fi? Use Wicked Free Wi‑Fi in outdoor zones or your library network indoors. (boston.gov)
Shutoff notice? Call DPU Consumer Division at 1-877-886-5066 or DTC at 1-800-392-6066. (mass.gov)

Application Checklist — Print or Screenshot This

Proof of identity: State ID, driver’s license, or passport for USAC Lifeline and provider signup. (usac.org)
Proof of eligibility: SNAP/TAFDC/Medicaid/WIC letter, or income documents for Lifeline; upload via phone camera to the portal. (usac.org)
Address confirmation: Utility bill or lease for internet enrollment (e.g., Spectrum SIA). (spectrum.com)
Library card: Get a card for hotspot or Chromebook loans via BPL or your network; bring photo ID and proof of address. (bpl.org)
Class signup: Reserve Tech Goes Home or MassHire sessions; ask for childcare or attendance flexibility. (techgoeshome.org)

If Your Application Gets Denied (Lifeline, Device, or Class)

Lifeline denial: Recheck documentation at the National Verifier and submit clearer images; if still denied, call DTC at 1-800-392-6066 via Lifeline Services for help or to file a complaint. (usac.org)
Device program waitlist closed: Ask your library about older device recycling or loan programs funded by MBI, and check PCs for People for refurbished options with warranty. (broadband.masstech.org)
Class full: Put your name on multiple lists (e.g., Tech Goes Home and MassLINKS); ask if drop‑in labs are available. (techgoeshome.org)

County‑Specific Notes and Variations

Boston & Suffolk County: Short‑term device loans are strong at BPL; outdoor Wicked Free Wi‑Fi expands in transit hubs. DigLit funds add capacity at job‑training sites. (bpl.org)
Worcester County: Hotspot loans and digital studios run through Worcester Public Library; MassHire Central provides digital‑skills workshops with local employer links. (mywpl.libguides.com)
Berkshire, Franklin, Hampshire, Hampden: Expect more digital navigator programming through MBI municipal grants and nonprofit partners; check Urban League of Springfield lab and The Literacy Project for classes that include device support. (broadband.masstech.org)

What to do if this doesn’t work — ask your town clerk or library if they participated in MBI’s Digital Equity Planning; towns with plans may receive new device or Wi‑Fi projects this year. (broadband.masstech.org)

Tables — At‑a‑Glance Contacts and Timelines

Key State & City Contacts

Agency	For	How to Reach
Department of Telecommunications & Cable	Phone/internet complaints, Lifeline help	1-800-392-6066; DTC Lifeline Services. (mass.gov)
Department of Public Utilities — Consumer Division	Shutoff issues for electric, gas, investor‑owned water	1-877-886-5066; DPU Complaints. (mass.gov)
Boston Digital Equity	Wi‑Fi, device loan expansions, navigator referrals	digital.equity@boston.gov; Digital Equity. (boston.gov)
USAC Lifeline Support (online)	Eligibility & application	USAC Lifeline; National Verifier portal. (usac.org)

Typical Timelines (Plan for Delays)

Task	Expected Timeline	Notes
Lifeline online decision	1–7 days	Paper mail takes longer; then 90 days to pick a company. USAC Lifeline. (usac.org)
BPL hotspot or Chromebook loan	Same day to 1–3 weeks	Depends on holds; 21‑day loan, no renewals for hotspots. BPL Hotspot. (bpl.org)
Tech Goes Home class start	2–8 weeks	Rolling classes; device after completion. TGH. (techgoeshome.org)

FAQs — Massachusetts, Digital Literacy, and You

Is there still a $30 ACP discount in 2025? No; ACP ended on May 31, 2024. Instead, compare low‑cost plans like Internet Essentials and Spectrum Internet Assist, and borrow hotspots as needed from BPL. (fcc.gov)

Can I get internet for my child’s schoolwork if we don’t qualify for SNAP? Possibly; eligibility for Internet Essentials and Spectrum Assist includes various criteria; ask your school about networks like Wicked Free Wi‑Fi and library hotspot loans. (xfinity.com)

What’s the fastest way to get a reliable laptop? Enroll in Tech Goes Home or purchase through PCs for People; both are affordable and include help. Libraries like BPL loan Chromebooks short‑term. (techgoeshome.org)

How do I learn the basics fast for job applications? Take a free MassHire digital workshop and BPL beginner classes; practice on Northstar for certificates. (masshiredowntownboston.org)

My provider raised my price. Can I lock it? Some carriers introduced multi‑year price guarantees (e.g., Comcast offers a 5‑year lock on certain plans). Always compare total price, equipment, and fees using official announcements like Comcast’s price guarantee. (corporate.comcast.com)

Are there safe, free Wi‑Fi options near me? Outdoors in Boston, try Wicked Free Wi‑Fi; indoors, use your local library network. Avoid banking on public Wi‑Fi without a VPN. (boston.gov)

Who can help in my language? Ask BPL ESOL and MassLINKS for multilingual options; city pages like Boston Housing Strategy 2025 post materials in multiple languages. (bpl.org)

What if I have a disability? Request accommodations and accessible devices via MassEDP and report accessibility issues to your provider or DTC using DTC Lifeline Services. (mass.gov)

Can I get help if I’m a veteran? Yes, contact EOVS and the Women Veterans Network; ask about training and digital support in your local network. (mass.gov)

Where do I report unfair fees or misleading ads? Document details and complain to the city or state; use DTC Consumer Services and your local consumer affairs office; ask for written confirmation of any promised price. (mass.gov)

Spanish summary — Resumen en español

Este resumen fue producido con herramientas de IA (traducción generada por IA). Verifique la información con los enlaces oficiales antes de aplicar.

Necesita internet hoy: pida prestado un hotspot o un Chromebook de Boston Public Library u otra biblioteca; muchas bibliotecas ofrecen préstamos por 21 días. (bpl.org)
Descuento mensual: el programa federal ACP terminó el 31 de mayo de 2024; compare planes de bajo costo como Internet Essentials o Spectrum Internet Assist. (fcc.gov)
Ayuda para teléfono/internet: solicite Lifeline y luego elija un proveedor como Assurance Wireless Massachusetts. Para quejas, llame al DTC al 1‑800‑392‑6066. (usac.org)
Capacitación y equipos: inscríbase en Tech Goes Home (clases de 15 horas con Chromebook), o PCs for People para computadoras de bajo costo; MassLINKS ofrece clases en línea. (techgoeshome.org)
Protección contra cortes: para luz/gas/agua llame al DPU 1‑877‑886‑5066; para teléfono/internet use DTC 1‑800‑392‑6066. (mass.gov)

About This Guide

Compiled by the ASingleMother.org Editorial Team.

This guide uses official sources including:

Massachusetts Broadband Institute (MBI) for Launchpad and Digital Equity programs. (broadband.masstech.org)
Massachusetts Department of Telecommunications and Cable for Lifeline rules and contacts. (mass.gov)
Federal Communications Commission (FCC) for ACP wind‑down and closure notices. (fcc.gov)
Boston Public Library for hotspot and device lending. (bpl.org)
MassHire Career Centers for training and digital coaching. (mass.gov)

Last verified September 2025, next review April January 2026.
This guide follows our Editorial Standards: we use only official or highly reputable sources, update regularly, and aim for plain‑language, people‑first help. We are not a government agency and this guide is not legal advice. Email corrections to info@asinglemother.org and we will respond within 72 hours.

Disclaimer

Programs, prices, speeds, and inventory change often. Always confirm current offers, eligibility, and fees with the official agency or provider before you enroll. If you receive a shutoff notice for electricity, gas, investor‑owned water, phone, or internet, call the state first (DPU or DTC) using the numbers and links above to understand your rights and options. For urgent safety concerns, call 9‑1‑1.

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