Photo © Eric Kilby used under CC BY 2.0 / desaturated from original and adapted to include Wi-Fi symbol.
About the Digital Bridge Initiative
The City of Somerville is committed to digital equity. In 2023, the City created the Digital Bridge Initiative (DBI). The goal of the DBI is to support existing programming and to create new initiatives.
The DBI team is not doing this work alone. We collaborate with a strong network of internal and external partners that include a wide variety of experts working to address the digital divide. Nationally, through the National Digital Inclusion Alliance, we have been recognized as a leader in addressing the digital divide because of the strong collaboration that is at the core of our work.
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The Digital Bridge Initiative
In 2023, the City of Somerville created the Digital Bridge Initiative (DBI). The DBI's goal is to address the digital divide in Somerville. We want Somerville to be one of the first U.S. cities where everyone can use the internet with ease. We want to be a City that has invested in helping those who need it most. This means they can use the internet to chase their dreams, move up in life, and stay healthy. The DBI team supports existing digital inclusion programming, and also creates new initiatives. In general, the DBI aims to expand access to the internet, devices, and digital skills classes.
The Digital Equity Plan
One of the first initiatives of the DBI team is the Digital Equity Plan. The City of Somerville and the Metropolitan Area Planning Council (MAPC) worked together to develop the plan. The Digital Equity Plan will give the City ideas on how to work towards digital equity and prepare Somerville for future funding opportunities. If you'd like to learn more, visit here.
Do you need...Please pick an option above, or read on below to learn more about what we do. |
Contact Information
8:30am – 4:30pm
Thursday
8:30am – 7:30pm
Friday
8:30am – 12:30pm
Employee Directory
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Set Up Your Small Business Online
Want to learn about setting up your business online? The following videos, created by interns from the Mayor’s Summer Jobs Program, provide step-by-step instructions for creating an email address and website, setting up Wi-Fi, and staying secure online:
- How to set up an email account for your business
- How to set up Wi-Fi for your business
- How to set your primary language for your business email
- How to set up a simple website for your business
- Important online safety tips to keep your business secure online
Need to use a free computer? Visit any of these locations below. Many locations will also have onsite staff to help you use the computer.
Somerville Public Library
| Central Branch | 79 Highland Ave |
Monday: 9:00am - 9:00pm |
| East Branch | 115 Broadway |
Monday: 9:00am - 9:00pm |
| West Branch | 40 College Ave |
Monday: 9:00am - 9:00pm |
Somerville Community Corporation
SCC has a free Drop-In Computer Lab that is available for Somerville residents to work on projects such as resume building, job applications, language studies, online classes, and more. It is self-guided, but there is a facilitator on site if you need help.
Contact Cai Cronin at (617) 410-9919 or ccronin@somervillecdc.org if you have any questions.
Do you need help using a computer or the internet?
Somerville Public Library
The Somerville Public Library offers FREE one-on-one tech appointments with a skilled librarian.
Email spltech@somervillema.gov or call (617)-623-5000 ext. 2955 to book an appointment.
The Council on Aging
If you are an older resident looking for technology help, the Council on Aging hosts FREE office hours.
Contact Molly at (617)-625-6600 ext. 2318 or mpagliuca@somervillema.gov for more information.
Somerville Cambridge Elder Services
In addition to the Council on Aging, older residents may also reach out to Somerville Cambridge Elder Services. Somerville Cambridge Elder Services offers a free Technology Access Program that includes in-home visits and drop-in sessions.
To learn more, contact Colin Barr at (617)-628-2601 ext. 1007 or colin.barr@eldercare.org.
SomerPromise
Are you a parent looking for help with using a computer?
Contact SomerPromise’s Family Liaison Lara at (617)-625-6600 ext. 2346 or lversari@somervillema.gov.
Somerville Community Corporation
SCC provides free one-on-one tech help. Contact Cai Cronin at (617)-410-9919 or ccronin@somervillecdc.org for more information.
If you need free internet, the Somerville Public Library offers Wi-Fi hot spots for 2 weeks at a time through their Library of Things.
Low-Cost Internet Options for Your Home
*ALERT for Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) Participants*: The ACP has ENDED. This means that your internet bill will go back to what it was before the ACP benefit was applied, and you will be responsible for that bill. Cancel or switch to a low-cost plan. For more information, click here.
Xfinity Internet Essentials provides home internet at a discounted price of $9.95/month.
Internet First from RCN/Astound provides a similar service for $9.95/month.
Lastly, through Lifeline, eligible participants can get up to $9.25 off the cost of phone, internet, or bundled services.
If you need help signing up, reach out to a Digital Navigator.
Are you looking for a FREE class on how to use the internet and computers?
SCALE
SCALE offers adult classes on many topics, including a digital skills class, and Introduction to the I.T. landscape. If you are interested in attending SCALE, call 617-625-6600 ext. 6900 to speak to an advisor or visit during office hours.
Somerville Public Library
The Somerville Public Library periodically offers free computer classes. Call 617-623-5000 ext. 2955 or email spltech@somervillema.gov for more information.
Council on Aging
The Council on Aging also periodically offers free computer classes. Call Molly at (617)-625-6600 ext. 2318 or email mpagliuca@somervillema.gov for more information.
Somerville Cambridge Elder Services
Somerville Cambridge Elder Services offers free skills workshops to older residents. Contact Colin Barr at (617)-628-2601 ext. 1007 or colin.barr@eldercare.org for more information.
Somerville Community Corporation
SCC offers free basic computer classes that help students use computers in day-to-day life and work. Contact Cai Cronin at (617)-410-9919 or ccronin@somervillecdc.org if you are interested
This is not an exhaustive list—please email dbi@somervillema.gov or call (857)-285-2668 for more information.
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