In an ongoing effort to bridge the digital divide in New York City, Mayor Eric Adams and New York City Chief Technology Officer Matthew Fraser have announced a three-year extension of the 'Big Apple Connect' program. The initiative, which is the largest of its kind run by a municipality in the nation, provides free high-speed internet and basic cable TV to around 330,000 residents in 220 NYCHA sites, as reported by the City's official website.
The program will continue through June 2028 and comes with a $1.2 million boost from service providers Optimum and Spectrum for digital literacy efforts. This funding will support training programs in libraries throughout NYC. Not only does 'Big Apple Connect' equip NYCHA households with essential connectivity, but it also saves them an average of more than $1,700 annually, according to the official announcement from the NYC Mayor's Office. The New York City Office of Technology and Innovation will continue to cover the costs for all participating residents.
“By keeping 330,000 NYCHA residents connected through free high-speed broadband and cable, we’re sending a clear message: every New Yorker deserves affordable, reliable internet. Internet is not a luxury, it’s as a necessity in today’s world,” Mayor Adams stated. This extension not only upholds the commitment to affordability but also strives to enhance residents' abilities to leverage online resources for work, education, and personal advancement, as per the NYC Mayor's Office.
Moreover, the expansion of digital literacy programs is expected to encompass additional resources for the city's Neighborhood Tech Help. This facet of the initiative provides one-on-one tech support. Also in the works is a new online hub designed to offer NYCHA residents virtual training sessions for internet software use, job applications, and resume building. Optimum's Jay Guy highlighted their pride in supporting 'Big Apple Connect,' saying, “Optimum is honored to continue helping thousands of families in Bronx and Brooklyn NYCHA communities access high-speed internet and TV at no cost," according to the NYC Mayor's Office.
On the public library front, leaders of Brooklyn, New York, and Queens Public Libraries have expressed their commitment to aiding the city's mission to narrow the digital divide. In a joint statement, they celebrated the collaborative effort to expand the Neighborhood Tech Help program, which will facilitate crucial individualized support. The partnership between New York City and the library systems stands as a testament to a shared vision of improving digital fluency amongst residents, particularly those within affordable housing.
Serving as a beacon in the quest for digital equity and inclusion, 'Big Apple Connect' continues to set an example for municipalities nationwide. The program, along with free tech training access in more than 450 public computer centers across the city, represents an ongoing investment in the technological empowerment of New Yorkers from all walks of life.
