Equitable Internet Access for All New Yorkers

Two more chances to participate in listening sessions: Today from 2:30-5:00pm and April 24th.

Regional partners across New York State in partnership with the Empire State Development’s ConnectALL Office continue efforts in regional Internet and Digital Equity Listening Sessions to improve internet access to all, especially underserved communities.

The Mohawk Valley Economic Development District (MVEDD) together with host, Mohawk Valley Community College (MVCC), held a listening session on March 15 with great success. If you were unable to attend the local listening session, there’s still an opportunity to have your voice heard at virtual listening session on April 24th from 9:30am-11:30am and today in Syracuse from 2:30pm-5:00pm.

According to Lauren Mattia, community development specialist at MVEDD,

“The Mohawk Valley listening session was the first in a series being hosted by NY States ConnectALL office to uncover and understand the challenges community members face with access to internet. Whether it’s physical connectivity, affordability, or the knowledge needed to use the internet for tasks that used to be done in person, it’s the gap NY State wants to fill. I encourage everyone that can contribute to the conversation to attend future sessions virtually or in-person.”

Central New York – April 4^th 2:30-5:00pm

OneGroup
706 N Clinton St
Syracuse, NY 13204
Onondaga County

Southern Tier – April 24^th 9:30-11:30am

Virtual event via Zoom

ConnectALL is partnering with digital inclusion advocates in each of the State’s 10 regions to gain input from those working to close the digital divide and improve the well-being of marginalised populations including:

• Local and county government leaders
• Regional planning and economic development organizations
• Internet service providers
• Educational institutions
• Workforce development organizations
• Non-profit organizations serving vulnerable New Yorkers

Evens include a discussion of existing barriers to internet access and the resources and opportunities we have to address those barriers and close the digital divide.

DIGITAL EQUITY is achieved when all individuals and communities have the information technology capacity needed for full participation in our society, democracy, and economy. Digital equity is necessary for civic and cultural participation, employment, lifelong learning, and access to essential services.   —National Digital Inclusion Alliance.

ConnectALL is an initiative from Governor Kathy Hochul to deliver affordable internet access to millions of New Yorkers, bolster digital equity and transform the state’s digital infrastructure.