More than 4,200 low-income households in the Finger Lakes region will soon benefit from high-speed, affordable internet, thanks to a $3.9 million grant awarded under Governor Kathy Hochul’s Affordable Housing Connectivity Program. The initiative, part of the larger ConnectALL program, aims to bridge the digital divide and improve broadband access across New York State.
The funding for the Rochester metro area, which spans Monroe and Ontario counties, will facilitate broadband service to 51 properties covering 305 buildings and 12 miles of fiber optic infrastructure. This investment ensures internet options as low as $10 per month for qualifying households, with service expected to be available by the end of 2026.
“In today’s digital age, access to reliable, affordable high-speed internet isn’t just about convenience – it’s about ensuring every New Yorker can participate fully in our modern economy and society,” Governor Hochul said. “By delivering affordable broadband solutions to our affordable housing communities and supporting county-led initiatives, we’re creating a more connected and equitable New York.”
Flume Internet, the provider selected for the project, will offer residents three broadband options: 100/20 Mbps for $10 per month, 200/200 Mbps for $15 per month, and 1000/1000 Mbps for $30 per month. These rates are locked in until 2034. To support the rollout, Flume will partner with local nonprofits to provide digital literacy programs, community workshops, and multilingual resources.
Empire State Development President Hope Knight emphasized the importance of this infrastructure for digital equity: “Under Governor Hochul’s leadership, we are providing the infrastructure necessary for communities to thrive, supporting residents in affordable housing and ensuring rural counties have access to modern broadband solutions.”
In total, the Affordable Housing Connectivity Program’s first round of funding, amounting to $13.1 million, will connect over 14,000 households in Buffalo, New York City, and Rochester. The initiative will provide internet to 780 affordable housing buildings, including public housing properties, across the three regions.
RuthAnne Visnauskas, Commissioner of New York State Homes and Community Renewal, noted, “This $13 million investment will help bridge the digital divide and make our communities more connected for generations to come. The Affordable Housing Connectivity Program is improving quality-of-life for over 14,000 households by ensuring all families, especially those in underserved neighborhoods, have the tools they need to thrive.”
The ConnectALL initiative, a $1 billion effort spearheaded by Governor Hochul, seeks to transform New York’s digital infrastructure by enhancing competition among providers and making broadband affordable for all residents. ConnectALL is funded in part by the U.S. Treasury Department’s Capital Projects Fund under the American Rescue Plan Act.
For low-income residents of the Finger Lakes, the program promises not just connectivity but access to education, healthcare, and employment opportunities, marking a significant step toward digital equity in the region.
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