New York’s Nearly $300 Million Broadband Effort

Governor Hochul Announces New Federal Funds

New York State is investing $50 million to close the digital divide. Governor Kathy Hochul announced the expansion as part of Phase 4 of the Municipal Infrastructure Program (MIP). This increase raises total program funding to nearly $300 million. The initiative aims to bring high-speed internet to unserved and underserved communities. Rural and economically disadvantaged areas have struggled with poor connectivity for years.

New York has already invested over $240 million in broadband. This latest phase uses federal funds from the U.S. Department of Treasury Capital Projects Fund. The money will help develop publicly controlled, open-access broadband networks. State officials say this approach will boost competition and lower costs for consumers.

A Push to Close the Digital Divide

High-speed internet is now essential for work, education, and healthcare. Yet, many New York communities still lack reliable service. Data shows thousands of households remain without adequate broadband, especially in rural and low-income urban areas.

Governor Hochul has made expanding broadband access a central goal of her administration. “Reliable, affordable high-speed internet is no longer a luxury — it’s a necessity,” Hochul said in a statement. “Phase 4 of the Municipal Infrastructure Program builds on our ongoing efforts to address broadband gaps in areas that have been overlooked and underserved by traditional internet service providers.”

The MIP expansion aligns with national efforts to improve broadband. The American Rescue Plan allocated billions to infrastructure, including broadband. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, a key advocate for these funds, compared broadband to electricity. “Broadband is a necessity, not a luxury,” he said.

Senator Kirsten Gillibrand echoed that sentiment. She called broadband “a necessity of the American economy” that drives digital literacy, education, and business development.

Local Officials and Advocates Weigh In

While the state is touting this investment as a game-changer, municipal leaders say more work is needed to ensure the funding reaches the communities most in need.

“This program has been an important tool for counties working to bridge the digital divide,” said Benjamin Boykin II, President of the New York State Association of Counties. “This latest phase of funding is another important step toward closing connectivity gaps and will enable counties to continue investing in the critical broadband infrastructure that supports economic growth, education, and public safety.”

However, some local leaders caution that funding alone is not enough. The challenge, they say, is ensuring that broadband projects are implemented effectively and do not simply favor large internet service providers. Barbara J. Van Epps, Executive Director of the New York State Conference of Mayors, noted that public investment in broadband could empower local governments to take a more active role in internet service delivery. “By supporting publicly controlled broadband projects, this funding allows local governments to bridge the digital divide in a way that serves their residents directly,” she said.