Governor Kathy Hochul on Oct 5, 2022, announced that one million qualifying New York households have enrolled in the federal Affordable Connectivity Program, a nationwide subsidy to expand broadband access to low-income households. Earlier this year, the Governor launched a multi-agency outreach initiative to build awareness of the program and encourage eligible households to enroll. The federal program provides discounts of up to $30 a month toward internet service for eligible low-income households.
“The pandemic has shown us that, with so many households relying on the internet for work, education, and government services, New Yorkers need access to affordable, dependable broadband,” Governor Hochul said. “Thanks to the federal Affordable Connectivity Program and a multi-agency outreach effort in New York State, we’re connecting more eligible households to broadband subsidies than anywhere else in the nation. My administration remains committed to expanding affordable broadband, including through our $1 billion ConnectALL initiative, and helping eligible New Yorkers enroll in this important federal program.”
With this milestone, New York is one of the leading states in the nation for ACP enrollment with 30 percent of eligible households currently taking advantage of this federal benefit. Eligible New York households are now collecting more than $360 million in annual subsidies.
Department of Public Service CEO Rory M. Christian said, “As part of our advocacy to bring broadband to all households in New York, we are making a significant investment in narrowing the digital divide amongst our citizens that has long persisted.”
Empire State Development Commissioner, President, and CEO Hope Knight said, “The COVID-19 pandemic has proven that high-speed internet connectivity no longer a luxury; it is a necessity. Broadband is essential for New Yorkers to go to school, work remotely, find a job, start a business, access healthcare, and connect with loved ones.”
