Governor Kathy Hochul has announced a $5 million state initiative aimed at identifying innovative solutions to expand mobile wireless service across New York, targeting persistent cellular coverage gaps that hinder public safety and economic growth.
“This $5 million investment through our ConnectALL initiative will help develop innovative solutions to ensure all New Yorkers have access to reliable wireless coverage, no matter where they live or work,” Hochul said. “By empowering our local governments and other stakeholders to implement their own connectivity solutions, we’re taking a creative approach to closing the digital divide.”
The effort, known as the Connectivity Innovation – Mobile Service Request for Applications (RFA), invites proposals for scalable, open-access wireless projects that can accommodate multiple mobile providers. The initiative is part of Hochul’s broader ConnectALL Mobile Service Connectivity Initiative announced in her State of the State address.
Administered through Empire State Development, the program will fund approximately three projects, each receiving between $1 million and $2 million. Applications are open through June 17 and must be submitted through the state’s Consolidated Funding Application portal.
“The digital divide takes many forms across our state, and cellular coverage gaps continue to present both economic and safety challenges for many communities,” said Empire State Development President and CEO Hope Knight. “This program will empower eligible entities with the resources they need to implement creative solutions that bring reliable cellular service to areas traditionally underserved by the current connectivity marketplace.”
The Mobile Service RFA builds on the state’s $1 billion ConnectALL initiative, a sweeping digital infrastructure plan to expand broadband access and affordability. Other components of ConnectALL include:
- The $50 million Digital Equity Program, with a federal allocation of at least $37 million.
- The $100 million Affordable Housing Connectivity Program, which is already delivering low-cost broadband to over 14,000 households in Buffalo, New York City, and Rochester.
- The Municipal Infrastructure Program, which has awarded over $240 million to construct nearly 2,400 miles of broadband infrastructure for 98,000 locations statewide.
- The Deployment Program, which is reviewing proposals to use $664.6 million in federal funding to reach underserved areas with fiber optic and other technologies.
State Senator Kristen Gonzalez said the initiative reflects a broader commitment to digital inclusion. “All New Yorkers, regardless of location, deserve access to reliable cell phone service and a connection to the digital world,” she said.
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Assemblymember Steve Otis called the new grant program “another creative way the ConnectALL office is seeking to encourage new approaches to close the remaining gap areas.”
An informational webinar about the RFA will be announced soon. Interested applicants can sign up for updates by emailing Wireless@esd.ny.gov.
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