Governor Kathy Hochul has announced that New York State will allocate $52.6 million in broadband infrastructure awards through several programs, including the Municipal Infrastructure Program (MIP), Affordable Housing Connectivity Program (AHCP), and Deployment Program County Partnerships. The funding aims to connect 6,900 locations across the state, reaching 24,000 households, businesses, and anchor institutions—19,000 of which are affordable housing units. The projects will build 234 miles of new fiber infrastructure and establish 46 new wireless hubs.
“New York State is leading the nation in closing the digital divide once and for all,” Governor Hochul said. “Today’s $52 million in awards represents our commitment to connecting communities that need it most. In today’s economy, broadband isn’t a luxury, it’s a necessity for education, healthcare, economic opportunity, and full participation in modern life.”
Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight commented on the initiative’s impact: “Expanding broadband access strengthens New York’s economy and improves quality of life. These awards will help to connect more than 24,000 households — including affordable housing residents — with high-speed service. By giving small businesses the tools to grow, students and workers the ability to succeed, and families access to critical services, we are building stronger, more connected communities across the state.”
Senator Charles Schumer noted federal support for these efforts: “Access to high-speed internet is not a luxury, but a necessity, a utility as vital as electricity for everyday life. Today, New York State takes a leap towards closing the digital divide. I’m proud to deliver millions in federal funding to help expand broadband infrastructure to boost affordable, high-quality internet access for over 24,000 homes and businesses across NY. This will help communities in 28 counties in every corner of NY from Buffalo and Albany to rural parts of the Finger Lakes and Southern Tier. It will help families stay connected to education, to healthcare, economic opportunity, and each other. When I led the American Rescue Plan and Bipartisan Infrastructure & Jobs Law to passage, I made sure there was funding for long term investments like this that would create good paying jobs helping build the 21st century infrastructure needed to make high-speed internet reach every corner of the state. I’m grateful for Governor Hochul’s work putting these federal dollars to work to ensure all New Yorkers get the equitable access to the internet that they deserve.”
Senator Kirsten Gillibrand added: “Affordable and high-speed internet should be accessible to all New Yorkers, regardless of background. Investing in broadband infrastructure is critical for children to receive high-quality education, seniors to access telehealth services, and workers to engage in the digital economy. I am proud that this nearly $53 million investment will help connect communities across our state, and I will continue fighting for more funding that closes the digital divide once and for all.”
Representative Jerrold Nadler welcomed support for Manhattan: “Access to reliable, high-speed internet is essential for every New Yorker, no matter their zip code or income. I welcome Governor Hochul’s announcement of over one million dollars to help close the digital divide so all Manhattan families can stay connected to each other and the world. As I did with the American Rescue Plan, I will always fight to make sure New Yorkers get the reliable, high-speed internet they need to succeed.”
Representative Paul Tonko highlighted local benefits: “Over the past several years, I’ve been proud to lead the charge in Congress to expand broadband here in New York and nationwide. That’s because internet access is not a luxury — it’s a necessity for families, businesses, and communities here in our Capital Region and across our state. These investments will help ensure that New Yorkers of all income levels can stay better connected to their jobs, their schools, and their loved ones while strengthening the very fabric of our communities. I’m thrilled to join Governor Hochul in celebrating this important step forward in our efforts to bring critical infrastructure improvements to the families who need them most.”
Other members of Congress also expressed support:
Representative Grace Meng said: “Broadband isn’t a luxury; it’s a necessity for New Yorkers of all ages… This $52 million investment builds on progress we’ve made so all New Yorkers are online.”
Representative Joseph Morelle stated: “Affordable reliable internet isn’t a luxury anymore—it’s how families connect… This $4 million in funding…will transform lives…”
Representative Tim Kennedy commented: “Investing in broadband infrastructure is one of most meaningful ways we can strengthen our communities…”
Representative John W. Mannion emphasized rural connectivity: “Investing in broadband infrastructure is crucial for our rural communities…I thank Governor Hochul for her commitment…”
The new funds target long-term economic development across 28 counties by making internet service more affordable; some plans offer service as low as $10 per month with all options below regional average prices.
These latest projects follow previous investments by ConnectALL—a statewide initiative—which has already provided over $13 million through AHCP grants connecting more than 12,000 affordable housing units as well as $242.5 million via MIP grants bringing high-speed service into an additional 105,000 households statewide.
Assemblymember Steve Otis recognized leadership behind these efforts: “New York State has led … innovative programs … especially exciting with focus on providing access … often left out … Special recognition … goes …to Governor Kathy Hochul … ESD President … Hope Knight … ConnectALL Chair Josh Breitbart … As Chair … Assembly Science & Technology Committee … both houses have been partners…”
Programs receiving funds include public-private partnerships focused on expanding fiber networks into underserved areas such as Madison County ($9.9M), Wyoming County ($15M+), ErieNet Local Development Corporation ($5M+), among others.
The Affordable Housing Connectivity Program aims at delivering low-cost gigabit connections ($10/month basic; $30/month gigabit) at various locations including Brooklyn ($2.9M), Greater Rochester ($4M+), Manhattan ($1M+), Lower Hudson region ($929K+), City of Geneva ($203K).
County Partnership Infrastructure Awards include Albany County partnering with private providers Archtop Fiber/State Telephone using just over $1M.
Governor Hochul’s administration continues its broader push through ConnectALL—a multi-year plan investing over $1 billion into transforming digital infrastructure statewide—funded largely by federal sources such as U.S Department of Treasury under programs like American Rescue Plan’s Capital Projects Fund.
ConnectALL initiatives include municipal open-access networks (over $242M awarded); Digital Equity Program (investing $50M); Affordable Housing Connectivity leveraging another $100M; Deployment Program supported by over $644M; innovation grants supporting research/business models; Excelsior Broadband Network establishing new backbone along NY Thruway; mobile connectivity planning addressing cellular coverage gaps.
