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For Immediate Release: 6/22/2023 Rory M. Christian, Chair Contact:
James Denn | James.Denn@dps.ny.gov | (518) 474-7080
23063 / 22-M-0313 June 22, 2023
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PSC Releases Second Broadband Map and Broadband Report |
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Report and Interactive Map Details Access to Broadband Coverage in New York State ALBANY — The New York State Public Service Commission (Commission) today authorized the release of the second report and interactive broadband map.
“The map and accompanying report are crucial in identifying areas that lack broadband access,” said Commission Chair Rory M. Christian. “This important work provides up-to-date data which will be used to improve broadband infrastructure in New York State. This data will continue 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.
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 allows individual New Yorkers and policymakers to analyze a more accurate representation of which locations are served, underserved or unserved. The Commission found that 97.5 percent of New York State address locations are served by high-speed broadband service providers.
To collect accurate data, the Commission collaborated with 73 internet service providers, solicited stakeholder input from a consumer survey and the map’s built-in feedback loop and conducted field inspections of over 50,000 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 second report and interactive map in accordance with the requirements of the act.
In January 2022, Governor Hochul announced the $1 billion ConnectALL initiative — the largest ever investment in New York's 21st century infrastructure — as part of her 2022 State of the State. This plan will deliver affordable broadband to millions of New Yorkers and transform the state's digital infrastructure through new investments. Under the new ConnectALL initiative, New York State will use over $1 billion in public and private investments to connect New Yorkers in rural and urban areas statewide to broadband.
In addition to two virtual public hearings, the Commission also maintained 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 decision 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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