NYC's new Internet Master Plan aims to close digital divide
Source: Smart Cities Dive Published: Jan. 9 2020 Author: Jason Plautz
Dive Brief:
In an effort to close the city's digital divide, New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio has released a plan to partner with private companies to bring affordable, high-speed internet service to the city's five boroughs.
The city’s Internet Master Plan will begin with a "Universal Solicitation for Broadband" (USB) for private companies to detail how they will use city assets to bring broadband access to underserved neighborhoods. From there, the city plans to work with service providers to use existing infrastructure like rooftops and light poles and build new connective infrastructure.
According to city data, 40% of residents lack either mobile or home broadband service, and 18% lack both. Many neighborhoods outside of lower Manhattan lack the infrastructure for broadband service, especially in areas of Brooklyn and Queens where there are fewer accessible conduit or utility poles.