Hochul Administration Unveils Over $636 Million in Broadband Investments to Bridge Digital divide Across New York
ALBANY, NY – Governor Kathy Hochul today announced a complete series of broadband initiatives totaling more then $636 million aimed at achieving universal internet access across New York State. the investments, drawn from a combination of state and federal funding, will target unserved and underserved communities, affordable housing, digital equity, and innovative connectivity solutions.
The cornerstone of the effort is the $644.6 million ConnectALL deployment Program, which will provide funding to internet service providers to expand broadband infrastructure to locations currently without service or with inadequate access. Requests for Applications for this program closed in July, and ConnectALL is currently seeking public comment on its Final Proposal for fund allocation.
Alongside the deployment program, $100 million will be dedicated to the Affordable Housing Connectivity program, leveraging federal funds from the U.S.Treasury Department’s Capital Projects Fund to bring broadband infrastructure to homes in affordable and public housing. Project details for this initiative are available on the Beta ConnectALL Projects Dashboard. Similarly, the ALL Projects Dashboard provides details on projects funded by the Municipal Infrastructure Program.
Recognizing the importance of digital inclusion,the state will also invest $50 million in the Digital Equity Program to implement the New York State Digital Equity Plan. This plan focuses on improving digital literacy and job readiness skills, facilitating access to affordable internet and devices, enhancing digital privacy and safety, and improving accessibility of government services online.
Further bolstering innovation, the Connectivity Innovation Program is advancing new broadband solutions, business models, and technologies to encourage private sector investment and entrepreneurship. ConnectALL is currently reviewing applications to the Connectivity Innovation – mobile Service RFA, which closed in June 2025.
Beyond these programs, new York is building the Excelsior Broadband Network, a new statewide public broadband network. The initial phase will involve a new fiber line running the length of the New York Thruway, connecting public broadband assets and improving internet and cell service reliability across the state.
a Mobile Service Connectivity initiative will collaborate with local stakeholders,state agencies,and industry to develop regional plans for expanding cellular coverage,identifying opportunities and funding innovative solutions to address gaps in wireless service.
These investments represent a significant step towards closing the digital divide and ensuring all New Yorkers have access to the essential connectivity needed for education,employment,healthcare,and civic participation.
