Free or Low-Cost High-Speed Internet Coming to 13 NYCHA Developments

On May 6, Mayor Bill de Blasio announced that five internet service providers will offer high-speed internet access for up to 30,000 residents at 13 NYCHA developments. NYCHA is currently in the process of finalizing an agreement with a sixth internet service provider. This is a major milestone in the City’s effort to bring new and affordable internet connectivity options to NYCHA residents.  

“In this day and age, high-quality internet service is a necessity, not a luxury,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio. “By investing in broadband infrastructure, we drive forward a recovery for all of us – both by delivering much-needed resources to NYCHA families and making significant progress on our commitment to close the city’s digital divide.”

The five selected internet vendors are Starry, Sky Packets, Silicon Harlem, Flume, and NYC Mesh. Three developments selected through this process will receive free WiFi on public grounds, while the remaining 10 developments will be wired for affordable in-unit internet access. This effort is part of the Mayor’s commitment to extend broadband to New Yorkers in the hardest-hit communities identified by the Taskforce on Racial Inclusion and Equity.

“A 21st century recovery for all of us means increasing access to critical infrastructure like broadband,” said Deputy Mayor Vicki Been. “For too long, the digital divide has prevented many New Yorkers – including families, students, and seniors – from accessing the internet where they live. The [City’s] Internet Master Plan is our boldest investment in universal broadband to date, and I’m thrilled we’ve partnered with these providers to speed up access to this vital resource for 30,000 NYCHA residents.”

The City offered a unique opportunity for internet service providers, both large and small, to propose their plans and partnership ideas to use new access to NYCHA buildings and facilities to rapidly close the digital divide for this slice of New Yorkers.

“The Authority is committed to expanding the quality of internet service options available to our residents by leveraging emerging technologies and identifying innovative partnership opportunities,” said NYCHA Chair & CEO Greg Russ. “We want to thank the City, Mayor’s Office of the Chief Technology Officer, and the New York City Economic Development Corporation for working with us on this important milestone of making high-speed broadband service more accessible to public housing residents across New York City.”

Currently, internet service providers charge from $40 to $110 a month in these neighborhoods. With this initiative, the vendors will provide either free or low-cost internet service that’s no more than $20 a month. Once the installation is complete, the providers will work with resident associations and NYCHA’s Resident Engagement Department to encourage residents to sign up for the service.

“Digital equity must be a priority, and this initiative demonstrates our commitment to ending the divide,” said Sideya Sherman, Executive Director of the Taskforce on Racial Inclusion and Equity and NYCHA’s Executive Vice President for Community Engagement and Partnerships. “Free and low-cost broadband access is crucial for NYCHA residents and communities of color to have equitable access to work, learning, healthcare, government services, and other essential resources. This gap existed before the pandemic and is even more critical now. This unprecedented investment, which accelerates the Internet Master Plan, demonstrates how the City can work creatively, across government, to meet the moment.”

The 13 NYCHA developments that will get free or low-cost high-speed internet are Red Hook East, Red Hook West, 303 Vernon, Manhattanville, Jefferson, St. Nicholas, Baruch, Riis I, Riis II, Wald, Wyckoff Gardens, Atlantic Terminal Site 4b, and De Hostos Apartments.