Governor Kathy Hochul announced $52.6 million in broadband infrastructure awards through New York State’s ConnectALL initiative. The funding, distributed across the Municipal Infrastructure Program (MIP), Affordable Housing Connectivity Program (AHCP), and Deployment Program County Partnerships, will directly connect 6,900 locations, including more than 24,000 households, businesses, and anchor institutions across 28 counties. Of these, 19,000 units are affordable housing locations. The projects will build 234 miles of new fiber infrastructure and establish 46 wireless hubs, ensuring reliable and affordable internet access for low-income communities.
This investment represents a continuation of New York’s efforts to close the digital divide, with ConnectALL programs having previously awarded over $308 million to connect more than 142,500 households, including over 32,000 affordable housing units. Governor Hochul emphasized that broadband access is a necessity for education, healthcare, economic opportunity, and full participation in modern life, highlighting the importance of this initiative for communities across the state.
Empire State Development President and CEO Hope Knight noted that expanding broadband strengthens New York’s economy and quality of life by supporting small businesses, students, workers, and families. Federal and state officials, including Senators Charles Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand, and Representatives Jerrold Nadler, Paul Tonko, Grace Meng, Joseph Morelle, Tim Kennedy, and John W. Mannion, praised the initiative for promoting affordable, high-speed internet access to underserved urban and rural communities.
The Municipal Infrastructure Program awards will construct critical broadband networks in underserved areas, including Southern Tier Network’s fiber expansion, 120 miles of fiber in Madison County, a 36-mile backbone and 20 wireless Points of Presence in Wyoming County, and a 42-mile extension in Erie County to connect community anchor institutions. These projects aim to enhance service reliability and support affordable internet delivery to residents and local institutions.
The Affordable Housing Connectivity Program awards will expand high-speed internet access to affordable and public housing units in regions including Greater Rochester, Albany, Buffalo, Syracuse, Ithaca, Manhattan, and Westchester-Rockland counties. Service plans will start as low as $10 per month, ensuring long-term affordability for low-income residents.
County Partnership Infrastructure Awards, such as the Albany County project, will further support local broadband deployment through strategic partnerships with counties and private providers. These projects aim to enhance digital equity and ensure residents across New York have access to reliable, affordable high-speed internet.
Governor Hochul’s broadband expansion efforts build on prior investments, with ConnectALL programs collectively investing over $1 billion to transform New York’s digital infrastructure. Initiatives include the Digital Equity Program, the Excelsior Broadband Network along the New York Thruway, and the Mobile Service Connectivity program to expand cellular coverage statewide. Together, these programs aim to create equitable access to broadband, drive economic development, support education and healthcare, and foster technological innovation across New York State.
