N.Y. Awards $140 Million for Public, Open-Access Broadband Infrastructure

WASHINGTON, Nov. 18, 2024 – New York awarded $140 million for publicly owned open-access broadband infrastructure, state officials announced last week. The projects are set to serve more than 60,000 homes and businesses.

“Access to high-speed internet is not a luxury, but a necessity, a utility as vital as electricity for everyday life. Today, Upstate NY takes a major step towards closing the digital divide,” Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., said in a Wednesday statement.

The funded projects include $11 million for fixed wireless to serve 11,000 locations in Orleans County, $30 million for fiber to 4,000 locations in Schoharie County, $26 million to get 6,600 locations fiber in Cayuga and Cortland counties, $13 million for fiber and fixed wireless for 1,500 locations in Franklin County, $30 million for fiber and a new tower for 22,000 homes and businesses in Sullivan County, and $30 million to serve more than 14,000 locations with fiber in the City of Jamestown.