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Mayors

New York City Launches Initiative to Provide 350,000 Students with Free Internet-Enabled Devices

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

As part of the Adams administration's efforts to bridge the digital divide and invest in a more affordable city for working-class New Yorkers, Mayor Eric Adams, New York City Chief Technology Officer Matthew Fraser, and New York City Public Schools Chancellor Melissa Aviles-Ramos, among others, announced that 350,000 K-12 New York City Public Schools students will receive new internet-enabled devices for free during the 2025-2026 school year. This initiative aims to provide students with the essential tools necessary to succeed in today's digital learning environment.

The 350,000 students across the nation's largest public school district will receive LTE or 5G connected Chromebooks with internet access and optimized educational programming. This proactive, data-driven rollout of the program closes device access gaps in the most affordable way possible for working-class families and replaces outdated equipment that no longer meets current instructional and security standards.

Key Takeaways:

  • 350,000 K-12 New York City Public Schools students will receive free internet-enabled devices for the 2025-2026 school year.
  • The initiative aims to bridge the digital divide and provide students with the essential tools necessary to succeed in today's digital learning environment.
  • The devices will come equipped with T-Mobile LTE or 5G access, making it possible for students to get online for free wherever they live.
  • The agreement with T-Mobile saves city taxpayers millions of dollars over the course of the five-year deal on city-issued devices and puts money back into the pockets of the city workforce.
  • The partnership also ensures that city employees have access to cutting-edge technology and reliable service to best serve their fellow New Yorkers.
  • The initiative is part of the Adams administration's efforts to provide more residents with free high-speed internet access than any other city in the nation through Big Apple Connect.
  • Over 580,000 residents will receive free internet access through this program.
  • There are over 450 public computer centers across the five boroughs that supply free access to internet, devices, and digital skills training.

Statistics:

  • 350,000 K-12 students will receive free internet-enabled devices.
  • 31 percent of Bronx households lack access to a household computer.
  • Big Apple Connect offers free access to in-home internet and basic cable TV to 330,000 New Yorkers.
  • The program saves subscribers an estimated $1,700 per year.
  • There are over 450 public computer centers across the five boroughs.
  • The Adams administration has secured mayoral accountability twice in three years.
  • $180 million was invested to implement a comprehensive class size reduction plan.

Sources:

  • New York City Mayor Eric Adams
  • New York City Chief Technology Officer Matthew Fraser
  • New York City Public Schools Chancellor Melissa Aviles-Ramos
  • T-Mobile
  • Dell Technologies
  • Jazz Chisholm Jr., New York Yankees All Star Second Baseman
  • Center for an Urban Future

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