CENTRAL NEW YORK — Madison County received a $9.9 million grant for broadband upgrades through New York State, Governor Hochul’s Office announced on Thursday.
The county will partner with Empire Access to build 120 miles of fiber connecting more than 2,600 homes, businesses and community anchor institutions. State officials noted that this will help extend service to rural and agricultural communities with limited high-speed service options.
Community Broadband Networks, which received a $2.7 million grant, will deploy hybrid fiber-fixed wireless networks to affordable and public housing properties in Greater Syracuse, offering service at $10/month and Gigabit service at $30/month for 10+ years in the Greater Syracuse Area.
“Investing in broadband infrastructure is crucial for our rural communities and delivers government that prioritizes the people, said Representative John Mannion (D, NY-22) in a news release. “The $2.7 million for the Greater Syracuse area will connect houses and communities across my district and the nearly $10 million in Madison County will build hundreds of miles of fiber to connect thousands of homes and businesses, providing vital resources to rural communities and farmers.”
The funding was part of 15 broadband infrastructure awards distributed throughout New York State through the Municipal Infrastructure Program, Affordable Housing Connectivity Program and Deployment Program County Partnerships for a total of $52.6 million.