ESD Announces Up To $20 Million Investment To Expand Internet Access
Partnership of ConnectALL, OTDA, and DPS Will Deliver Free Wi-Fi Service to Support Pathways Out of Homelessness
Empire State Development (ESD) today announced a commitment of up to $20 million to bring reliable, high quality internet access to New Yorkers residing in homeless shelters statewide. ESD’s ConnectALL Office will lead the initiative and provide $17 mil lion for the initial installation in coordination with the Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA), with an additional $3 million of in-kind investment secured by the New York State Public Service Commission. Funding will sup port broadband infrastructure installation in shelters across the state with ongoing service eligible for reimbursement as an essential service for shelter occupants.
Empire State Development President, CEO and Com missioner Hope Knight said, “Expanding broadband access is essential to unlocking economic opportunity for all New Yorkers. Through ConnectALL, we are ensuring that individuals and families in temporary housing are not left behind in an increasingly digital world. This initiative will equip residents with the connectivity, tools, and training they need to pursue education, employment, and economic mobility.”
Public Service Commission Chair and Department of Public Service CEO Rory Chris tian said, “In an increasingly digital economy, online access is critical to ensuring that opportunities supporting new beginnings for populations facing hardship and instability are within reach. Connectivity also ensures that vulnerable populations can remain in communication with loved ones. The Public Service Com mission is proud to facilitate funding – secured through the Commission’s review of the transaction between Charter Communications Inc. and Cox Enterprises Inc. – that expands infrastructure supporting these essential services and represents meaningful prog ress toward closing the digital divide.”
State Senator Kristen Gon zalez said, “I’ve worked for years with impacted New Yorkers and VocalNY to advo cate for broadband internet connection in homeless shel ters and temporary housing across the State. Unhoused New Yorkers need and deserve internet access to keep up with our increasingly digital world. Applying for jobs and hous ing, completing schoolwork, and connecting with social services all require reliable internet connection. This $20 million investment in broad band infrastructure at shelters is a monumental step toward digital equity in New York. I want to thank Governor Kathy Hochul, Empire State Development, the Office of Temporary Disability Assistance, and the Public Service Commission for making this a reality.”
Assemblymember Steve Otis said, “Congratulations to Governor Hochul and our State Agency Leaders in identifying funding to wire our homeless shelters for internet access and for the ongoing commitment to provide ongoing support to assist addressing the individual needs of families who find themselves without housing. The NYS ConnectALL office has been a nationwide leader in expand ing broadband infrastructure. Providing access in homeless shelters provides one of the needed steps towards fulfilling our NYS Digital Equity Plan. This announcement commits to education and training to assist families in need.”
The initiative will fund key infrastructure improvements at participating shelter facilities, including building connections, installation of Wi-Fi routers and networking equipment, and internal wiring to ensure high-quality service. OTDA will determine shelter eligibility for participation, while ConnectALL will establish technical standards based on an initial assessment of existing connectivity. ConnectALL will also connect residents to education programs and other resources to access jobs, housing, education, healthcare, and other critical services and will assess the need for dedicated resources.
The shift to digital platforms accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic has made internet access increasingly critical to daily life. Without reliable connectivity, individuals experiencing homelessness often cannot apply for jobs or housing, access government benefits, attend telehealth appointments, or participate in virtual court proceedings. This initiative addresses those barriers directly, building on New York State’s broader commitment to closing the digital divide — particularly for com munities disproportionately impacted by homelessness — and helping residents take meaningful steps toward permanent housing and long-term self-sufficiency.