New York moves forward with $636 million broadband plan to close digital divide

(UI) — New York is advancing a $636 million broadband expansion aimed at bringing internet access to nearly every unserved and underserved location in the state, Governor Kathy Hochul announced on Sept. 19.

The plan includes $391 million in proposed federal awards under the ConnectALL Deployment Program, matched by more than $245 million from 11 internet service providers. Together, the projects would extend fiber, fixed wireless, and satellite service to about 54,000 addresses statewide.

If approved by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration, the projects would deliver fiber to about 31% of locations, fixed wireless to 44%, and satellite service for the remaining 25%. “In this day and age, internet access is no longer just a luxury — it is a necessity,” Hochul said.

Empire State Development President Hope Knight said the funding will ensure “the final one percent of unserved households” are connected. Federal lawmakers also praised the effort, describing it as a once-in-a-generation investment in digital infrastructure.

The ConnectALL program, funded through the federal Broadband, Equity, Access, and Deployment Program (BEAD), has already invested in municipal broadband, affordable housing connectivity, and digital literacy initiatives. State officials say this latest round of projects will bring New York close to universal broadband access.

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