WORCESTER, Mass. - Federal, state and local leaders gathered in Worcester Tuesday to talk about the state's broadband efforts.

The National Telecommunications and Information Administration was among the groups hosting the summit.

The Commonwealth is preparing to receive more broadband funds from the infrastructure investment and jobs act. Last year, the state received its first “internet for all” grant of more than $6 million. The money was used to deploy and adopt affordable, equitable and reliable internet throughout the state.

"High speed Internet is not a luxury, it is a necessity,” said Kevin Gallagher, senior advisor to the secretary at the U.S. Department of Commerce, at Tuesday’s conference. “Access to the internet means the ability to do your job, for kids to participate in and excel in school, to get access to healthcare and to stay connected with families and friends.

“And the folks in this room, all of you, working together are going to be the reason why we are able to ensure that everyone, regardless of their zip code, has the skills and equipment and access to the infrastructure that they need to fully participate in our digital economy and in our digital world."

Spectrum News 1 is owned by Charter Communications. In a statement, the company said in part, “Charter shares the Biden administration’s and NTIA's goal of 100% connectivity and they look forward to continuing to work in partnership, to help programs successfully deliver connectivity to those in need.”