Despite its reputation as an epicenter of business and finance, New York City has an internet problem: Hundreds of thousands of residents lack reliable broadband access, which puts them at social, educational and economic disadvantages.
To help close the digital divide, the city created Big Apple Connect — a subsidy program that provides free broadband and basic cable access to people living in NYC public housing. The program is in its third phase and offers broadband to more than 330,000 people in 150,000 households. So far, coverage is available in 220 public housing developments.
Officials say that Big Apple Connect will be the largest broadband subsidy implemented by any U.S. city, and that it nicely complements the Federal Communications Commission’s Affordable Connectivity Program. New York’s program is funded by $40 million previously budgeted for an ill-fated Wi-Fi network designed for NYC public safety agencies.
This article appeared in our guide, “State and Local: Making an Impact.” For more insights on how state and local governments are using digital transformation to enhance life in their communities, download it here: