Albany, NY — Governor Kathy Hochul, Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer, and Senator Kirsten Gillibrand have announced a major investment of over $140 million to expand broadband infrastructure in Central New York, the Finger Lakes, Mohawk Valley, North Country, Mid-Hudson, and Western New York regions. This funding, part of the ConnectALL Municipal Infrastructure Grant Program, aims to construct over 1,200 miles of publicly owned fiber-optic infrastructure and wireless hubs.
The new broadband network will provide affordable, high-speed internet to over 60,000 homes and businesses, offering equal download and upload speeds at prices below regional averages. The announcement marks a significant milestone in the state’s efforts to close the digital divide and enhance connectivity in underserved and unserved communities. “This investment is a game-changer for New Yorkers,” Governor Hochul stated. “With the ConnectALL program, we ensure that every resident, no matter where they live, has access to reliable, high-speed internet. Broadband is essential for education, healthcare, and economic growth, and we are committed to making it accessible and affordable for all.” The $140 million in new grants builds on previous awards, bringing the program’s total funding to $214.7 million. The program will now support the construction of over 2,000 miles of broadband infrastructure, ultimately connecting more than 87,000 homes and businesses statewide.
The ConnectALL program emphasizes public-private partnerships to maximize the impact of federal and state funding. These collaborations will help local governments construct and maintain critical broadband infrastructure while working with private internet providers to deliver affordable services. Senator Schumer highlighted the importance of this approach: “High-speed internet is not a luxury; it’s a necessity. These public-private partnerships will ensure that even the most rural areas of New York are connected, providing opportunities for education, healthcare, and economic development.” Senator Gillibrand echoed these sentiments: “Access to reliable internet is crucial for our communities to thrive. This funding ensures families and businesses across New York stay connected and competitive.”
The ConnectALL initiative is primarily funded by the U.S. Treasury Department’s Capital Projects Fund, which was created to support critical infrastructure projects. The program targets areas with limited or no internet access, prioritizing projects that offer symmetric service—ensuring equal upload and download speeds, which are increasingly essential for remote work, telehealth, and online learning.
Liz Tanner, New York’s Secretary of Commerce, emphasized the broader implications of the program: “This investment is about more than just connectivity. It’s about creating opportunities for everyone, from small businesses to students, and building a foundation for long-term economic growth.”
The six newly funded regions will see immediate benefits from this latest round of funding. In the North Country, for instance, local leaders have long advocated for expanded broadband access to support remote learning and telemedicine. In the Finger Lakes, small businesses stand to gain from improved connectivity, enabling them to compete in a global digital marketplace.
Mid-Hudson County Executive Steve Neuhaus praised the program: “This is a historic investment in our future. Reliable internet access will open doors for our communities, making us more resilient and better prepared for the challenges of the 21st century.” With funding secured, construction on these new broadband projects is set to begin in early 2025, with completion targeted by the end of 2028. The state will continue to work closely with local governments and private partners to ensure that projects stay on track and deliver the promised benefits to communities.
For more information on the ConnectALL program and updates on regional projects, visit the official New York State broadband website: ConnectALL Program Overview.
