New York Expands Municipal Infrastructure Program; New Broadband Funds Open Through April 30

Albany, NY — New York is reopening a major round of broadband infrastructure funding that state leaders say could help more families get reliable high-speed internet for schoolwork, telehealth and everyday needs, especially in areas still considered unserved or underserved.

Gov. Kathy Hochul’s office said up to $36 million is available through the state’s ConnectALL Municipal Infrastructure Program, which supports open-access, publicly controlled broadband projects led by municipalities and other eligible public entities, often in partnership with private internet providers.

Applications are being accepted on a rolling basis through April 30, with ConnectALL expected to begin reviewing submissions in early February. State officials said individual awards are expected to be under $10 million, and projects funded under the round must be substantially complete by the end of 2026 to meet federal requirements.

The program can fund “last-mile” construction such as fiber lines, pole replacements and make-ready work, as well as connections to internet exchange points or data centers and certain acquisitions of existing infrastructure that improve service delivery.

Statewide, New York said the program has already backed $268 million in active projects across 24 counties, supporting plans for 2,300+ miles of new fiber and 68 wireless hubs serving more than 96,000 homes and businesses.

What parents can do now: check whether your town, county or regional network plans to apply, and ask your school district or library about current hotspot-lending or low-cost internet options while builds are underway. Updates and eligibility details are posted through ConnectALL’s Municipal Infrastructure Program page.

This article was produced by an education parenting today journalist with the assistance of AI. This is not legal advice. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.