New York on track to bring 'broadband for all' by end of 2018

Published: August 29, 2017

Community DevelopmentCommunity Internet AccessGeneral Government ServicesInformation TechnologyMISSOURINEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENTS (NEW YORK)Rural DevelopmentTelecommunicationsWASHINGTON

Despite a recent deadline extension the state says it's on schedule to bring 100 percent broadband connectivity to its residents by the end of next year.

Leaders of New York Broadband for All program report that the state is still on track to reach its goal of 100 percent coverage for all residents by the end of 2018. Broadband internet — defined by the Federal Communications Commission as a connection with 25 Mbps download and 3 Mbps upload speeds — is available to 98 percent of New York's 19.7 million residents, making it the 4th-best connected state in the nation, according to Broadbandnow. The State has extended the deadline for Internet Service Providers (ISPs) to apply for grants to bring increased connectivity to rural areas, particularly the remaining 2 percent of the population wihtout access to quality broadband. The new funding provided through the program could pay for a diverse mix of connectivity types depending on the company, ranging from expensive fiber optics embedded in the ground, new cables strung on utility poles, radio spectrum or 5G mobile broadband. 

New York is not alone in its endeavors to expand broadband coverage to rural areas. For example, Missouri officals lately have stressed increasing broadband internet services to rural areas of the state. There is also an initiative to bring affordable broadband to rural Washington State. New York Governor Andrew Cuomo has stressed a growing urgency to improve internet access for rural communities, and this remains a broader priority, as evidenced by initiatives led by various companies and legislation passed by the federal and state governments.

Source: Statescoop