Monroe County has partnered with Community Broadband Networks to close the digital divide in the city of Rochester. Using $4.2 million in American Rescue Plan Act funds, the initiative aims to provide reliable and affordable high-speed internet access to neighborhoods.
“Access to high-speed internet is a necessity for education, employment, health care, and everyday life,” says Monroe County Executive Adam Bello. “This investment ensures that more Rochester residents and small business owners have the opportunity to access affordable, reliable broadband services.”
The program will continue to fund CBN’s buildout of a fixed wireless/fiber optic network to provide 100 percent coverage in targeted communities, officials say. It covers business locations and eligible households located in the 14604, 14605, 14608, 14611, 14613, 14614 and 14621 ZIP codes.
“At Community Broadband Networks, we’re proud to partner with Monroe County and the city of Rochester to expand affordable broadband and bring reliable, high-speed internet to neighbors who remain underserved or unserved,” says Steve Richards, CEO of Community Broadband Networks, Rochester. “We believe internet access is a necessity in the world we live in today—and together we’re making sure every household and business has the opportunity to learn, work, and thrive.”
CBN will provide free home installs and WiFi routers for all who qualify and sign up for the program. To be eligible for the program, households need to meet at least one of many criteria, including low-income based on federal or local guidelines, enrollment in temporary assistance or other benefits such as the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program, officials say.
Eligible households will have the opportunity to receive at least a 100 megabyte per second speed package, free installation and WiFi router provided by CBN, free for the first two months of service, followed by a $30 monthly charge.
“High-speed internet is no longer a luxury—it’s a necessity, and every family deserves a connection,” says Rep. Joe Morelle. “Today’s investment ensures that regardless of ZIP code or income, families across Monroe County will have access to the opportunities that come with being connected.”
Last month, Gov. Kathy Hochul announced 15 broadband infrastructure awards totaling $52.6 million. The Greater Rochester area (Monroe, Livingston, Ontario, Orleans, Wayne and Yates counties) received $4.06 million as part of the Affordable Housing Connectivity Program. CBN is one of the grantees expected to provide high-speed internet access to affordable and public housing properties. CBN will deploy hybrid fiber-fixed wireless networks to affordable and public housing properties in Greater Rochester, offering service at $10 per month and gigabit service at $30 per month for more than 10 years.
Smriti Jacob is Rochester Beacon managing editor.
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