“The COVID-19 pandemic has made it painfully clear that access to high-speed is not a luxury in 2021. Residents rely on these services for telework, remote learning, searching for jobs and so much more, and it’s critical that we finally address the gaps in our broadband coverage. To help move our state forward on this critical issue, I co-sponsored and helped pass legislation that would require contracts for cable television and broadband internet attachments to include all sites in a given municipality (A.2396-A).

“This important change will help streamline the process of broadband expansion and prevent hardworking ratepayers from effectively being charged twice for existing utility infrastructure. Simply put, our current system is inefficient, ineffective and cost-prohibitive and this change is long overdue.

“I urge the governor to sign this bill into law as soon as possible so we can finally fulfill New York’s 100% broadband coverage pledge.”