The Big Apple Connect free broadband programme is being expanded to 17 new public housing developments in an effort to close they city’s digital divide.
New York City has expanded its Big Apple Connect broadband programme to 17 new public housing developments.
Building on the programme’s first two phases, which prioritised New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) developments with limited or no subsidised broadband options, the expansion answers calls from tenant associations and elected officials to expand the initiative. It now reaches a total of 220 NYCHA facilities.
The latest expansion of Big Apple Connect spans nine developments in Manhattan, seven in Brooklyn, and one in the Bronx.
Eliminating the digital divide
Mayor Eric Adams first launched the programme in September 2022, with a first phase that reached more than 90,000 households across 135 NYCHA developments and a promise to serve 200 sites by the end of 2023. In March this year, the Adams administration expanded programme eligibility to make it available to an additional 40,000 households at 67 new sites, completing the initial goal nine months ahead of schedule.
In June, Big Apple Connect surpassed 100,000 household enrolments and 75 per cent adoption across eligible developments. The programme, which is the largest municipal broadband programme in the country, has saved NYCHA residents tens of millions of dollars since its inception, according to service providers.
It provides residents of NYCHA developments a free bundle that consists of in-home, high-speed internet connection, including a modem and router; basic cable TV service, including a cable box and remote control; and common area wifi hotspots, selected in consultation with NYCHA.
“Access to broadband is not a nice-to-have; it’s a must-have to participate in a 21st-century society that bridges the digital divide,” said Adams. “With today’s expansion of our Big Apple Connect programme, we have rapidly connected almost every NYCHA resident across the city to broadband in less than a year, helping them unlock economic, educational, and social opportunities that will lead to more productive, connected lives.
“We thank the tenant leaders and elected officials who worked with us on this expansion and look forward to building on this progress in the months ahead.”
Leveraging existing infrastructure to deliver affordable internet service as quickly as possible, the NYC Office of Technology and Innovation (OTI) entered into three-year agreements with Altice (Optimum) and Charter (Spectrum), guaranteeing delivery of the programme through 2025, with two extension options through 2027. OTI is billed directly for all residents enrolled in the programme.
Existing customers of Optimum and Spectrum living in NYCHA developments where Big Apple Connect is active are automatically enrolled in the programme and are only billed for additional services they choose to purchase directly. Residents receive email notifications and mailers explaining why their bills were lowered as well as information on Big Apple Connect. Residents without existing service can sign up directly though Optimum or Spectrum or may attend on-site enrolment events conducted by the companies in partnership with OTI.
“Big Apple Connect’s’ latest expansion is a prime example of this administration listening to the needs of historically underserved New Yorkers – and delivering vital services that improve their lives,” said New York City chief technology officer Matt Fraser. “As we rolled out this programme’s initial phases, bringing free high-speed internet and basic cable TV to 300,000 New Yorkers at more than 200 public housing sites, we heard from a vocal contingent of community and elected stakeholders calling for additional NYCHA locations to receive Big Apple Connect.
“[The] announcement ensures that thousands of students, families, and older adults across the city can enjoy this initiative’s sizable cost-savings while also accessing all the opportunities provided by reliable internet access.”
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Quelle/Source: Smart Cities World, 07.08.2023
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