NYC Reveals Plan to Expand Fiber, Mobile Service
New York City aims to build open-access fiber infrastructure “to nearly every street intersection with an aggregation point in every neighborhood,” under a plan released Tuesday to tackle internet affordability. The city would tap city real estate and public rights…
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of way to “allow network operators to extend fiber optic infrastructure from the intersection to a pole or building and deliver service using any of a number of potential technologies.” Planned infrastructure would cost $2.1 billion if it’s built entirely new through the city and uses the open access conduit system in Manhattan and the Bronx, said the plan. The city would prioritize fiber in neighborhoods with low levels of commercial fiber service, and wireless infrastructure in low-income areas. Internet pricing and quality varies throughout New York City, where 40 percent of households lack a combination of home and mobile broadband and more than 1.5 million residents (18 percent) don’t have either, said the plan. “This inequity reflects underlying disparities in infrastructure and market competition, impeding full economic and social inclusion.” Affordability is the biggest barrier to adoption in New York, it said. This is “giving notice to corporations that the days of creating a digital divide in our city are over,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio (D).