Brookline Brings Low-Cost Internet To Public Housing Via Starry

BROOKLINE, MA — The Brookline Housing Authority has partnered with Starry, a fixed wireless technology developer and internet service provider, to provide a low-cost broadband service to more that 900 units of public and affordable housing.

BHA is Starry's seventh public housing partner to join its digital equity program, Starry Connect, which allows residents to sign up for high-speed, uncapped home broadband service without a credit check or signing a long-term contract.

In addition, BHA residents can opt-into the federal government’s Emergency Broadband Benefit program, which provides up to $50 per month for broadband access to eligible households. For residents that sign up for Starry’s service and opt-into the EBB program, that benefit will cover the entire cost of broadband service for the household while the program remains in effect.

“Home broadband access is essential, but too many families go without it because it’s too expensive or they can’t pass a credit check or meet certain eligibility criteria required by other providers,” said Virginia Lam Abrams, Starry’s Senior Vice President of Government Affairs and Strategic Advancement, in a statement. “We created Starry Connect in direct response to this problem.

Starry launched its Starry Connect program in 2018 in Boston to address the growing digital divide In addition to its public housing partners, the company also works with nonprofit and privately-owned affordable housing owners such as RelatedAffordable, Beacon Communities, Schochet Properties, Neighborhood Developers, and many others.

“The Brookline Housing Authority is thrilled to partner with Starry and bring an
affordable broadband internet solution to all BHA residents," said Michael Alperin, the Brookline Housing Authority’s Executive Director, in a statement. "The pandemic made clear
access to quality and affordable internet is a necessity for families and seniors to access social
services, educational opportunities, and health providers.”

For more information about Starry Connect, to become a Starry Connect partner, or to sign-up for Starry Connect service, click here.