Governor Kathy Hochul has announced $15.5 million in awards to improve mobile service and broadband infrastructure across several New York counties. The initiative includes $5.2 million for four projects aimed at expanding mobile service in Nassau, Otsego, Schenectady, and Warren counties. Additionally, over $10 million has been allocated through the ConnectALL Municipal Infrastructure Program and Affordable Housing Connectivity Program to further extend broadband access.
These efforts are part of the broader ConnectALL program, which is also launching three new funding opportunities targeting innovative business models, advanced fiber deployment strategies, and support for local planning initiatives. The state has also started its first statewide mobile service coverage tests to identify gaps along major roads and corridors.
Governor Hochul stated, “Reliable mobile service is vital to New York’s economy and critical to driving innovation, jobs and opportunity statewide. These new awards and innovative RFAs, combined with our groundbreaking wireless drive testing, will ensure every New Yorker — no matter where they live — has access to the connectivity they need to learn, work and thrive.”
Senator Charles Schumer commented on the importance of internet access: “Access to high-speed internet is not a luxury, but a necessity, a utility as vital as electricity for everyday life. I’m proud to deliver millions in federal funding to help close the digital divide for hundreds of families from Allegany County to Lake George. When I led the American Rescue Plan to passage, I made sure there was funding for long-term investments like this that would create good-paying jobs helping build the 21st-century infrastructure needed to make high-speed internet reach every corner of the state. I’m grateful for Governor Hochul’s work putting these federal dollars to work to ensure all New Yorkers have access to the internet that they need.”
Senator Kirsten Gillibrand emphasized broadband’s role in education and business: “From helping students learn to connecting small businesses with the digital economy, mobile service and broadband is a fundamental necessity and a driver of growth. These new awards will help ensure every community across our state has the reliable connectivity they deserve — and in Washington, I will keep fighting to deliver the funding necessary to expand broadband to every New Yorker.”
Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight highlighted ConnectALL’s impact: “From rural Otsego County to downtown Schenectady, ConnectALL is advancing creative, community-driven projects that address both immediate connectivity gaps and long-term infrastructure needs. These investments reflect our commitment to ensuring mobile service and broadband access for all New Yorkers, while building the innovative models that will drive equity and competitiveness across New York tomorrow.”
The data collection process launched by ConnectALL follows Governor Hochul’s 2025 State of the State directive. This effort began in partnership with regional planning organizations such as the Lake Champlain-Lake George Regional Planning Board. The current focus includes testing mobile signal coverage along main travel routes throughout regions including Adirondack and Catskill.
In Allegany and Broome counties specifically, grants awarded under these programs are expected to connect more than 800 households with new broadband services.
