$14.5 million in broadband grants to expand services across upstate New York
ALBANY - Empire State Development has approved more than $14.5 million in New York State Broadband Grants to support nine projects that will expand access to broadband services for nearly 30,000 residents and more than 2,000 businesses across Upstate New York, including in the Capital Region, Western New York, Finger Lakes, Southern Tier, Central New York, North Country and Mohawk Valley regions. This includes the first broadband grants to be approved from the Governor's $25 million Connect NY Broadband Grant program and the Regional Economic Development Council Awards, which when completed will represent significant progress in expanding broadband services to the more than 500,000 unserved or underserved New Yorkers across the state.
“Access to high speed internet is a critical resource for businesses and residents in today’s global economy,” Governor Andrew Cuomo said. “These grants will connect underserved and rural communities to the many benefits of broadband access, including giving local businesses the opportunity to reach consumers from around the world. As the State works to grow the Upstate economy, these nine projects will provide the support necessary to attract and retain businesses and help create jobs for the region.”
The State is committed to accelerating the availability, affordability, and utilization of broadband technologies in order to grow New York’s economy. Access to the numerous benefits of broadband access, such as e-commerce, e-government, telemedicine and distance learning will result in job creation, improved healthcare, greater educational opportunities for students and teachers, and enhanced economic development.
http://www.empirestatenews.net/News2013/20131227-1.htm