Millions of New Yorkers lack adequate access to high-speed internet. This is in large part because families living in low-income areas are inadequately served by the infrastructure that delivers broadband connection. The lack of affordable and reliable broadband has only been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic as as many vital public services, including medicine, education, and even connections with family, have transitioned to online platforms.
During the first three months of 2020, reliance on the internet increased by over 47%. This means not only are more people using the internet, but they are also using more data than ever before. We all must work to close this gap, and the affordable housing industry has a key role to play.
As part of NYSAFAH’s 22nd Annual Conference on Thursday, May 13, 2021, NYSAFAH President and CEO, Jolie Milstein, sat down with Congressman Jamaal Bowman to discuss his Broadband Justice Act legislation that is also part of President Biden’s infastructure proposal. Following the interview, Anjali Fernandez of Schmidt Futures moderates a panel on how and why affordable housing makes sense as a starting place to close the digital divide in our country.
On February 16th NYSAFAH convened experts on affordable housing and broadband technology to discuss how we can bridge the “digital divide” and ensure that affordable housing residents have access to quality broadband at an affordable price. For more on our symposium, our panelists and to view or download a recording, CLICK HERE.
Landlord/Tennant Resources
Find out what broadband services are available in your neighborhood and what discount plans are offered by the carriers and how to apply. Additionally, landlords can find the community relations contact for the broadband providers in their area. VIEW RESOURCES
Community Classroom
NYSAFAH and House New York, through grant funding from Wells Fargo, are working in communities across the state to ensure virtual learning students, living in affordable housing, have access to high speed internet in a safe environment. LEARN MORE!
Federal Broadband Relief Benefit
As part of the December 2020 COVID relief package passed by Congress, $3.2 billion was devoted to an Emergency Broadband Benefit to help low-income families, students, and those that have been unemployed during the pandemic. LEARN MORE!
NYSAFAH Broadband Policy Recommendations – VIEW HERE!
In The News:
NEWS 12 Long Island: Coverage of NYSAFAH Broadband Symposium
CRAIN’S NY Business: Solve NY’s digital divide with affordable housing
LoHud: New York’s digital divide is a problem. Mandating broadband could solve it | Opinion
Next City: New NYC Affordable Housing Must Come With Internet Service, City Says