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For Immediate Release: 06/20/2024 Rory M. Christian, Chair and Chief Executive Officer Contact:
James Denn | James.Denn@dps.ny.gov | (518) 474-7080 24053/22-M-0313 June 20, 2024
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PSC Releases Third Broadband Map and Report |
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Report and Interactive Map Details Broadband Availability in New York State Competition Amongst Broadband Providers Increasing Across State
Number of Served Address Locations in the State Increased by 23,370
ALBANY — The New York State Public Service Commission (Commission) today authorized the release of the Commission’s third report and interactive broadband map to further identify where high-speed broadband is available in New York State.
“The map and related report are crucial in identifying areas that lack broadband availability,” said Commission Chair Rory M. Christian. “This important work provides up-to-date data which will be used to assist in broadband expansion in New York State. This data continues to be a central resource for the efficient deployment of State and federal funding, enhancing New York’s ability to target both State and federal funding to the areas in greatest need.”
On April 16, 2021, the Comprehensive Broadband Connectivity Act of 2021 was enacted, which directed the Commission to study, on an annual basis, the availability, reliability, and cost of high-speed broadband service in the State to help ensure that all New Yorkers have the necessary affordable access moving forward.
As in prior iterations, the interactive map allows users to explore the State's broadband availability. Users are able to search an address to see what providers are available, what technology those providers are using and what speeds and pricing packages they offer. Users are also able to search at county, municipal, and school district levels to obtain data on percentages of served, underserved, or unserved populations at each level.
The updated map continues to build on the efforts to refine data, add new information, and incorporate lessons learned, all of which helps to improve the map’s overall accuracy. The Commission found 97.4 percent of New York State address locations are served by high-speed broadband service providers. Compared to last year, the number of served address locations in the State increased by 23,370, and the number of unserved address locations across the State has decreased by over 1,200 addresses.
Importantly, competition amongst broadband providers is increasing across the State. Since last year, more than 500,000 addresses across New York gained access to more than one high-speed internet service provider. Currently, more than 3.4 million addresses in New York have access to more than one provider, or 64 percent of the total.
To assist in the collection of accurate data, the Commission collaborated with 75 internet service providers, solicited stakeholder input from a consumer survey and the map’s built-in feedback loop and conducted field inspections of more than 26,000 addresses. In accordance with the Act, staff refined and analyzed the availability, reliability, and cost of high-speed broadband service throughout the State. The culmination of this year-long effort is the third report and interactive map in accordance with the requirements of the Act.
In addition to two virtual public hearings held in March covering every segment of the State, the Commission also maintains an interactive process for interested persons and stakeholders to provide information related to broadband infrastructure in New York. Comments were received from the public and interested stakeholders, including State and local representatives, large and small internet service providers, businesses and economic development organizations, community and public interest groups, and individuals.
Today’s reports may be obtained by going to the Commission Documents section of the Commission’s Web site at www.dps.ny.gov and entering Case Number 22-M-0313 in the input box labeled "Search for Case/Matter Number". Many libraries offer free Internet access. Commission documents may also be obtained from the Commission’s Files Office, 14th floor, Three Empire State Plaza, Albany, NY 12223 (518-474-2500). If you have difficulty understanding English, please call us at 1-800-342-3377 for free language assistance services regarding this press release. |
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