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New York Continues Momentum of Broadband Access Amidst Cuts to Digital Equity Programs

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

As the state of New York continues to advance its digital infrastructure, Governor Kathy Hochul has announced the re-release of the ConnectALL Digital Equity Program Capacity Grant Request for Applications (RFA), committing over $5 million in State funding to support digital equity and inclusion projects. The program aims to provide New Yorkers with devices, skills, and awareness needed to make use of affordable, reliable broadband service.

This effort comes as a response to the Trump administration's decision to terminate federal funding for digital equity programs in May 2025. The state's Affordable Broadband Act, which requires internet service providers to offer internet connections for $20/month or less, has earned national recognition for its groundbreaking legislation.

The ConnectALL program will award grants across the state to support digital equity and inclusion projects, with applications due August 25, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. ET. The program will also work with state and local partners to promote enrollment in low-cost internet options secured for eligible consumers through the Affordable Broadband Act.

Key Takeaways:

  • Governor Kathy Hochul has re-released the ConnectALL Digital Equity Program Capacity Grant Request for Applications (RFA), committing over $5 million in State funding to support digital equity and inclusion projects.
  • The ConnectALL program aims to provide New Yorkers with devices, skills, and awareness needed to make use of affordable, reliable broadband service.
  • The state's Affordable Broadband Act requires internet service providers to offer internet connections for $20/month or less and has earned national recognition for its groundbreaking legislation.
  • The ConnectALL program will work with state and local partners to promote enrollment in low-cost internet options secured for eligible consumers through the Affordable Broadband Act.
  • The program will award grants across the state to support digital equity and inclusion projects, with applications due August 25, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. ET.
  • The ConnectALL Deployment Program will provide funding for internet service providers to reach unserved and underserved locations, drawing on an allocation of $664.6 million in federal funding.
  • The Excelsior Broadband Network is a new statewide public broadband network that will connect public broadband assets across the state and improve access to consistent high-speed internet and reliable cell phone service for communities across the state.
  • The Mobile Service Connectivity initiative will work with local stakeholders, state agencies, and industry to develop regional plans to expand cellular coverage across the state.

Statistics:

  • Over $5 million in State funding will be committed to support digital equity and inclusion projects through the ConnectALL program.
  • Applications for the ConnectALL Digital Equity Program Capacity Grant Request for Applications (RFA) are due August 25, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. ET.
  • The state's Affordable Broadband Act has earned national recognition for its groundbreaking legislation.
  • The ConnectALL Deployment Program will provide funding for internet service providers to reach unserved and underserved locations, drawing on an allocation of $664.6 million in federal funding.
  • The Excelsior Broadband Network will be a new statewide public broadband network that will connect public broadband assets across the state and improve access to consistent high-speed internet and reliable cell phone service for communities across the state.

Sources:

  • The Office of the Governor of New York
  • Empire State Development
  • National Association of Telecommunications Officers and Advisors (NATOA)
  • United Way New York
  • United States Department of the Treasury
  • New York State Consolidated Funding Application Portal

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