Affordable, high-speed Internet
access for all New Yorkers.

Broadband access supports our economy, attracts businesses, and enables New York to be globally competitive. It improves the quality of life for New Yorkers through better communication and learning.

New York has developed a comprehensive broadband strategy. The initiative is supported by state grants. New York State is also seeking federal stimulus funding for NY broadband initiatives.

Strategic oversight of the broadband initiative is provided by the NYS Council for Universal Broadband, soon to be replaced by the newly created Broadband Development and Deployment Council per Executive Order 22.

More About the Broadband Initiative

The focus of the New York State Universal Broadband Initiative is to ensure every New Yorker has affordable, high-speed access to the Internet. Broadband is a critical engine for communities to enhance their social and economic well-being. The effective use of the internet is vital for New York to remain financially competitive on a national and global scale. Universal broadband capabilities enable state and local governments to provide better and more cost efficient services. In addition, broadband access provides opportunities for citizens, businesses and visitors to enjoy the resources available through the internet. This initiative will also help New York attract and retain New York's next generation of leaders and "workers".

New York has a comprehensive and holistic broadband strategy that focuses not only on infrastructure build-out, but also focuses on digital literacy, economic development, and expanded use of online government services. This includes an increased focus on expanding e-government service and e-commerce. Our strategy strives to create more "e-citizens" who are digitally literate and connected to affordable internet access, so they can be full participants in the information age. We have published a broadband strategy document.

Strategic oversight for the broadband program is performed by the NYS Council for Universal Broadband. The Council includes members from state and local government, libraries, municipal associations, economic development, as well as secondary and higher education institutions that have come together out of a shared interest in improving the economic vitality of New York's communities. The Council created five Action Teams to develop and implement the New York Broadband Strategy.

New York State continues to take the necessary steps to expand access to broadband services for all New Yorkers from the suburbs to underserved and unserved urban and rural neighborhoods. The Broadband Stimulus Office administers broadband grant programs. Our new NY broadband federal stimulus website has additional information.