On May 30, the city’s Planning and Development Agency (BPDA) and the Department of Innovation and Technology (DoIT) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with WiredScore that will recognize broadband accessibility in commercial and residential buildings.
The MOU designates that when businesses apply for new project and planned development permits, they must answer the Broadband Ready Building Questionnaire — which will help potential residents, renters or buyers recognize how broadband-ready the building is.
WiredScore's Wired Certification — an international rating system for commercial real estate — will allow businesses looking for office space to easily find best-in-class connected buildings. It also empowers landlords to promote their buildings' Internet connectivity and infrastructure to tenants.
"In order for Boston to be an innovative and equitable city for all, we must ensure that all of our residents and businesses have access to reliable, fast, and, affordable broadband service," said Mayor Walsh in a press release. "I am proud of our nation-leading work with WiredScore, which will lead to further success in creating a city committed to advancing broadband and digital equity goals."
The questionnaire will be built in a collaborative process between DoIT, BPDA and WiredScore, and will enable the BPDA and the city to:
- collect telecommunications infrastructure information that can be used to influence future building codes and development policy;
- analyze data in order to understand how real-estate developers are thinking of broadband in the development process and how public agencies can help support them in integrating best practices;
- ensure that any new buildings meet current and future connectivity needs of residents and businesses;
- advance the city’s goal of residents and businesses having the choice of two or more high-speed Internet providers;
- make buildings ready to be responsive to new and innovative technology; and
- minimize disruption to the public right of way.
