Governor Hochul: Affordable Broadband Act and Digital Equity Program Capacity Grant programs have taken effect

ALBANY, NY- Governor Kathy Hochul has announced two major initiatives to expand digital access across New York State.

The first initiative — Affordable Broadband Act (ABA) — has officially taken effect, making New York State the first state in the nation to require internet service providers to offer qualifying low-income households broadband service at $15 per month for 25 Mbps service or $20 for 200 Mbps service.

Second, the State is also launching its $15.5 million Digital Equity Program Capacity Grant to provide two-year grants supporting digital literacy training, device access and support services for underserved communities.

Additionally, to maximize the impact of this law and alongside its $15.5 million Request for Applications, ConnectALL will invest $3 million to publicize the ABA benefit to eligible households, support them in signing up for the low-cost accessibility option, and help them connect to education programs and affordable devices, while the Public Service Commission works to ensure all internet service providers fully comply with the law.

For more information, check out the Governor's website.

Image via the office of New York Governor Kathy Hochul.