On April 16, 2021, New York enacted the Comprehensive Broadband Connectivity Act of 2021, which directed the Public Service Commission (Commission) to prepare an annual study on the availability, reliability, and cost of high-speed broadband service in New York State. On June 16, 2022, the Commission release its first interactive broadband map and report and its second report on June 29, 2023.
The Commission is currently preparing its annual update to the report and invites public comment regarding the availability, affordability, and adoption of residential and commercial broadband internet access across the State. The purpose of the study is to ensure that all New Yorkers have the necessary affordable access to the internet going forward.
Topics for public comment include but are not limited to: locations where broadband service with at least 25 megabits per second (Mbps) downstream and 1 Mbps upstream is not available; locations that provide an internet download speed greater than 25 Mbps but less than 100 Mbps downstream; barriers to access of services such as high costs; locations where there is only one broadband internet service provider and reasons why individuals and businesses do not subscribe to broadband internet where it is available.
> To register for the 1:00 p.m. meeting on March 27, 2024, click here.
> To register for the 6:00 p.m. meeting on March 27, 2024, click here.
To comment at the hearing: If you wish to comment at the hearing, you may register until March 25, 2024, by 4:30 p.m. Use one of the links above to register electronically. To register by phone, call 800-342-3330 and follow the prompts.
To listen to the hearing: Any person who would like to listen to the hearing and does not wish to comment may access the hearing without registering. Additional details regarding how to access the public hearing and submit comments are available in the Notice of Public Statement Hearing.
We encourage you and your constituents to join us at the hearing and provide comments.
- Richard Berkley
Consumer Advocate and Director
Office of Consumer Service
Information about the petition can be found at www.dps.ny.gov or use the link below.