With an approximate range of 300,000 New Yorkers the expansion of ‘Big Apple Connect’the municipal broadband program, to provide Internet and basic cable television service to a total of 202 New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) developments.
The Mayor of New York City, Eric Adamsand Chief Technology Officer and Commissioner of the New York City Office of Technology and Innovation (OTI), Matthew Fraserannounced the service increase that will reach up to 40,000 new homes, ahead of schedule after announced last fall when Mayor Adams promised to install ‘Big Apple Connect’ at more than 200 NYCHA complexes by the end of this year.
“Six months ago, I promised that we would close the digital divide for NYCHA residents, and today I am proud to deliver on that commitment ahead of schedule,” Mayor Adams said. “With this expansion of ‘Big Apple Connect,’ the nation’s largest municipal broadband program to more than 200 NYCHA developments, more than 300,000 New Yorkers now have free cable TV and Internet access. The Internet is not a luxury, it is a necessity, and today we are proud to connect hundreds of thousands more New Yorkers with opportunity and the future,” he added in a statement.
The ‘Big Apple Connect’ expansion will reach 25 new developments in Manhattan, 20 in Brooklyn, 14 in The Bronx, 5 in Queens and 3 on Staten Island. New Yorkers can view a complete list of NYCHA developments eligible for ‘Big Apple Connect’ online.
free package
The technology project offers residents of NYCHA developments a free package consisting of a high-speed Internet connection in the home, including a modem and router; basic cable television service, equipped with a cable box and remote control; and Wi-Fi hotspots in common areas, selected in consultation with NYCHA.
“The continued expansion of ‘Big Apple Connect’ is helping to realize Mayor Eric Adams’ vision of advancing digital equity for all New Yorkers in an inclusive city,” said the New York City Department on Aging Commissioner. york, Lorraine Cortés-Vázquez.
“The expansion of ‘Big Apple Connect’ marks a continued effort by this administration to close the digital divide and prioritize equity throughout our city,” said the first vicealcaldesa Sheena Wright. “Your ZIP code or neighborhood should not define whether or not you have access to critically needed Internet services. I applaud CTO Fraser’s commitment to delivering on the promise to reach hundreds of thousands of New Yorkers at more than 200 NYCHA developments.”
The City has entered into three-year agreements with Altice (Optimum) and Charter (Spectrum), which will collectively cover most of the developments owned and managed by NYCHA. OTI is billed directly to all residents enrolled in ‘Big Apple Connect’.
