Mayor Zohran Mamdani and Rep. Ritchie Torres announced a $2 million federal investment to scale up the “Neighborhood Internet” program.
The initiative will provide free high-speed connectivity to over 4,000 low-income families in the Bronx and Upper Manhattan.
The project aims to bridge the digital divide in areas where up to 40% of households lack home internet access.
New York City is moving to treat internet access as a universal right by expanding its “Neighborhood Internet” program. With $2 million in newly secured federal funding, the city will scale digital infrastructure to thousands of residents in the Bronx and Upper Manhattan areas that have historically been overlooked by commercial providers. This investment directly addresses what Rep. Ritchie Torres calls a “hidden tax on poverty,” where low-income families pay significantly more for connection relative to their earnings compared to wealthier New Yorkers.
Connectivity in affordable housing units
The expansion plan focuses on retrofitting approximately 50 affordable housing buildings with rooftop network equipment and in unit connectivity. This technical deployment will allow more than 4,000 families to access a free network managed by the New York Public Library (NYPL), ensuring reliable service for students, workers and seniors. By integrating high speed broadband directly into public housing, the city aims to remove the financial barriers that prevent thousands of New Yorkers from fully participating in the modern digital economy.
Loading video…
Loading Video
Technical support and digital literacy
Beyond providing free connections, the program features a vital human support component through “Neighborhood Tech Help”. Library specialists will provide on site assistance to help new users set up devices, create online accounts and navigate the web safely. This support is crucial for ensuring the technology is effectively utilized for education, healthcare and job searches, empowering even those with minimal digital experience to thrive in a connected world.
Long term economic and social impact
Estimates suggest the program will save each participating family up to $800 annually, totaling a potential $50 million economic benefit for the community over a single generation; this initiative aligns with the NYC Digital Equity Roadmap and serves as a replicable model for other parts of the city. By reducing overhead costs for nonprofit landlords and democratizing web access, New York is reinforcing its commitment to a dignified and connected life for all its residents.