Governor Kathy Hochul has announced about $391 million in proposed awards under the ConnectALL Deployment Program, aimed at expanding broadband access across New York State. The awards are set to go to 11 internet service providers, who have pledged over $245 million in matching funds. These efforts target nearly 54,000 locations that currently lack reliable internet service.
If approved by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) after a public comment period, these federal awards will help achieve universal broadband connectivity for every documented unserved and underserved location in the state. Public comments on the planned awards can be submitted through the ConnectALL Deployment Program website until September 24, with a webinar scheduled for September 18 to provide more information.
“In this day and age, internet access is no longer just a luxury — it is a necessity to connect individuals to everyday essentials from education to healthcare,” Governor Hochul said. “Every community in New York State deserves to have access to the internet and it is time we uplift our underserved communities, providing them with more opportunities and resources.”
Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight stated, “Closing the digital divide means opening doors for families, businesses, and entire communities. With the BEAD program, we will reach the final one percent of unserved households and ensure they are not left behind. Empire State Development is proud to advance Governor Hochul’s vision through the ConnectALL initiative and to partner with NTIA in bringing this historic investment to every corner of New York.”
The projects cover all regions of New York—from Long Island to Western New York—and focus on serving the last one percent of locations without broadband or an enforceable commitment for service under another grant program. About 31 percent of eligible locations will receive fiber optic infrastructure; roughly 44 percent will get fixed wireless service; while satellite capacity will be reserved for around 25 percent of sites. Grant payments tied to satellite coverage will be made based on subscription milestones.
More detailed information—including a breakdown by county—can be found on ConnectALL’s website. Grantees were selected through an open application process following NTIA guidelines. The proposed federal awards require NTIA approval; projects serving federally recognized tribal lands also need consent from those governments.
Funding comes from $664.6 million allocated by Congress as part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law through the Broadband, Equity, Access, and Deployment Program (BEAD). Any remaining funds may support broadband adoption programs or reduced-cost services in multi-family buildings depending on future guidance from NTIA.
The awarded projects include:
– Archtop Fiber LLC: $78.6 million (plus $28.2 million match) for fiber optic service in five counties.
– CBN Geneva LLC: $121.2 million ($40.3 million match) for fiber optic/fixed wireless across multiple counties and tribal reservations.
– Citizens Telecommunications: $13.3 million ($6.3 million match) for Chenango County.
– Comcast Cable Communications Management: $11.5 million ($5 million match) for Putnam County.
– Consolidated Communications Enterprise Services: $5.5 million ($3.6 million match) across three counties.
– IBT Group USA LLC: $25.5 million ($4.3 million match) covering several counties and reservations.
– Planet Fiber NY LLC: $360,000 ($120,000 match) in Orange County.
– Reasnor Telephone Company LLC: $23.2 million ($7.7 million match) in Dutchess County.
– Space Exploration Technologies Corp.: $20.4 million ($18.7 million match) using low Earth orbit satellites across many counties/reservations.
– Spectrum Northeast LLC: $27 million ($4.1 million match) in Chautauqua County/Tuscarora Nation.
– Verizon New York Inc.: $64.5 million ($126.6 million match) spanning thirteen counties/one reservation.
Senator Charles Schumer commented, “Today, we take a massive step forward in closing the digital divide in New York… When I led the Bipartisan Infrastructure & Jobs Law to passage, I insisted on including funding for long-term investments like this that would create good-paying jobs in every corner of the Empire State.”
Senator Kirsten Gillibrand said,“High-speed internet is a necessity, not a luxury… These investments will help close the digital divide and open new doors of opportunity across our state.”
Representative Paul Tonko stated,“Broadband internet access isn’t just a convenience — it’s an essential resource for families and businesses here in our Capital Region and across our state… I’m proud to join Governor Hochul in celebrating today’s announcement…”
Representative Grace Meng said,“Internet access is vital… Universal access in New York is essential to closing the digital divide…”
Representative Joe Morelle noted,“In today’s world, internet access is an essential resource for our families — it’s how they connect with doctors… I’m grateful to Governor Hochul for proposing this much-needed investment…”
Representative Ritchie Torres added,“Too many families in the Bronx are still left on the wrong side of the digital divide… Expanding broadband will give students…the chance to compete…”
State Senator Kristen Gonzalez remarked,“New York’s ConnectALL initiative has accomplished so much…this new funding will go a long way in bridging the digital divide…”
Assemblymember Steve Otis stated,“This latest announcement of ConnectALL funding awards amplifies New York’s successful policy…Our success reflects commitment of Governor Kathy Hochul…ESD President…and ConnectALL Senior VP Josh Breitbart.”
Governor Hochul has prioritized expanding broadband as part of her administration’s broader effort toward equity throughout New York State.
Through initiatives like ConnectALL—which represents more than $1 billion invested—the state aims both to upgrade its digital infrastructure statewide as well as encourage competition among providers.
Programs launched under ConnectALL include municipal infrastructure grants supporting open-access networks (funded mainly by U.S Treasury’s American Rescue Plan), efforts promoting digital literacy/digital job readiness via a Digital Equity Plan backed by $50M,
and expansion into affordable housing developments leveraging federal funds.
A new Excelsior Broadband Network intends eventually to run fiber along major routes such as the New York Thruway, linking public assets statewide.
Additional initiatives address cellular coverage gaps regionally with input from stakeholders.
Applications closed earlier this year for several programs under review; public input remains open regarding deployment priorities.
