New York State Broadband Program Office serves as the state’s single point of contact for broadband development and deployment efforts.
State initiative:
State of New York
Local initiatives:
City of New York
Locality contact:
Meghan McDermott
Director of Digital Inclusion and Partnerships
Office of Technology and Innovation
Brett Sikoff
Ex. Director of Franchise Administration & Broadband
Office of Technology and Innovation
Digital Equity/Inclusion Coordinator:
Office of Technology and Innovation
Digital Equity/Inclusion Resources:
Citywide Public Computer Centers: The City of New York runs a digital inclusion network with nearly 500 public computer centers providing a range of services, from basic internet access to advanced software certifications, in high-need communities.
NYC Connected Communities Initiative: The NYC Connected Communities initiative provides free and reliable internet access, connected devices, high-quality digital literacy instruction, and technical assistance to help equip New Yorkers of all ages with digital skills. This initiative, in partnership with the NYC Housing Authority, includes two Digital Vans that function as mobile hotspots and provide low-income residents with eight laptops, Wi-fi, and a printer.
Brooklyn Public Library: The Brooklyn Public Library provides a laptop loan program across 18 of its branches that recently distributed 1,500 devices.
New York Public Library: The New York Public Library offers 100+ classes designed for fundamental digital citizenship, exposure, and mastery of technical concepts on public computers with professional-grade software, which are also available for extended use to continue learning after class.
Queens Public Library: The Queens Public Library receives funding from the federal Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) to provide contextualized English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) classes for new immigrants and workforce training in childcare, healthcare, and technology for residents. As a result, hundreds of thousands of New Yorkers are served.
NYC Aging Older Adults Technology Services (OATS): NYC Aging serves 80,000+ older adults every year with digital literacy program support in partnership with Older Adults Technology Services (OATS).
NYC Parks Media Labs: NYC Parks operates over 30 media education labs in its recreation centers, ensuring that New Yorkers can creatively express themselves.
Link5G: Link5G supports the City's efforts to advance digital equity in the outer boroughs and above 96th Street in Manhattan to expand affordable cellular options. This Link5G design will add 5G to the suite of services LinkNYC offers, which currently includes high-speed Wi-Fi, free nationwide calling, device charging, and access to 311 and 911.
Digital Equity/Inclusion Plan:
The 2020 New York City Internet Master Plan is a comprehensive roadmap to achieve universal broadband.