Up to $36 million in new state funding is being made available to expand broadband infrastructure in unserved and underserved communities across New York. Gov.
Announced by Gov. Kathy Hochul on Monday, the funding will be administered through ConnectALL and will support locally driven, open-access, and publicly controlled broadband projects. Applications will be accepted through April 30.
State officials say the Municipal Infrastructure Program has already committed $268 million to active projects in 24 counties, funding more than 2,300 miles of new fiber optic infrastructure and 68 wireless hubs serving more than 96,000 homes and businesses statewide.
“Our ConnectALL initiative is delivering results — connecting thousands of homes and businesses to high-speed internet across every region of the state,” Hochul said in a statement. “With this latest round of funding, we’re building on that progress and putting communities in the driver’s seat to close the digital divide once and for all.”
Individual grant awards are expected to be under $10 million. Projects must be substantially complete by Dec. 31, 2026, in order to comply with federal funding requirements. ConnectALL will begin reviewing applications Feb. 2.
Eligible uses for the funding include last-mile broadband infrastructure, fiber connections to internet exchange points or data centers, and the acquisition of existing infrastructure assets that improve service delivery.
U.S. Sen. Charles Schumer said the funding will help families, businesses and communities stay connected while creating jobs.
“Access to high-speed internet is not a luxury, but a necessity,” Schumer said. “This funding will help families stay connected to education, healthcare, economic opportunity, and each other.”
Additional information on eligibility requirements and the application process is available through ConnectALL.
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