New York Issues Broadband RFI for Network Investment

Broadbandmap9.24.15

The state of New York has issued a request for information on a broadband expansion project. According to a statement from the Governor’s office, New York plans to sustainably expand its networks to service the entire state by 2018.

Earlier this year, New York committed $500 million to broadband investment. The RFI will be the final step in creating the program guidelines for broadband expansion.

Those stakeholders interested in submitting responses to the RFI have until the end of October.

According to preliminary goals for the project, New York is pushing for access to broadband at speeds of at least 100 Mbps in most places, and 25 Mbps in the most remote underserved and unserved parts of the state. Officials are also looking at doing public-private-partnerships that include a required co-investment from private partners.

The image included with this story is provided by Governor Cuomo’s office and highlights the underserved areas of broadband access across New York State.

“High-speed internet access has become an essential ingredient of any strong economy,” Governor Cuomo said. “With this action, we are engaging providers, municipal leaders and other stakeholders to help ensure the New NY Broadband Program leverages the State’s investment in the best way and fulfills its goal of providing access to high-speed Internet to every New Yorker in every corner of this state.”

The full text of the RFI is available here.