NEW YORK—High-speed Internet access is going to be available to more New Yorkers under a new initiative that began accepting applications Monday.
Gov. Cuomo announced the application process to the Connect NY program, which will provide funding to expand broadband Internet access to unserved and underserved upstate and urban areas of New York.
The state’s $25 million Connect NY program was spurred by a broadband mapping initiative in 2010, which found that New York’s broadband service gaps exist due to the high cost of building networks in places where population is sparse.
More than 700,000 New Yorkers are unable to access broadband, according to Cuomo. Additionally, 6.4 million New Yorkers don’t subscribe to broadband because they either cannot afford it, or do not see the value in it.
The Regional Councils identified high-speed Internet as a key to stimulating business growth.
“This investment in high-speed Internet access will ensure that the information superhighway will be open to all New York businesses,” Gov. Cuomo said.
“The Connect NY Broadband Grants are designed to spur investment by broadband service providers and expand broadband connectivity and economic development in each region,” says the grant website.
Eligible applicants include: incorporated organizations; Indian tribes or tribal organizations; local units of government; and cooperatives, private corporations, or limited liability companies organized on a for-profit or nonprofit basis. Applications close on Oct. 5.
Applicants will be considered by need, potential impact, existing infrastructure, and funding sources, and regional economic development.
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