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AGENCY TESTIMONY
Digital equity initiatives: Big Apple Connect and NYC Digital Equity Roadmap
0:04:30
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Fraser highlights OTI's digital equity initiatives, focusing on providing free internet access and equitable access to devices and digital skills training. He discusses two major programs: Big Apple Connect and the NYC Digital Equity Roadmap.
- Big Apple Connect provides free broadband and basic cable access to over 330,000 New Yorkers in 220 NYCHA sites
- The NYC Digital Equity Roadmap outlines initiatives and investments to ensure equitable access to broadband and internet services
- A $2.4 million investment is planned to upgrade technology in older adult centers, libraries, and the NYCHA digital van program
Matthew C. Fraser
0:04:30
One area where we've significantly improved the lives of New Yorkers is through our digital equity initiatives.
0:04:36
Under this administration, New York City provides more residents with free internet than any other city in the nation and supplies equitable access to devices, digital skills training, and additional support programs to ensure New Yorkers across the five boroughs are equipped to use the Internet.
0:04:52
Big Apple Connect, the nation's largest municipal subsidized broadband program, continues to provide free broadband and basic cable, access to over 330,000 New Yorkers, and 220 NYCHA sites.
0:05:07
Just last week, we unveiled the New York City digital equity roadmap, a dedicated program of initiatives and investments designed to ensure safe and equitable access to broadband, internet services, and the skills to support the use of it.
0:05:22
Thought thoughtfully research this thoughtfully researched report which includes contributions from several other agencies fully take stock of the resources the city has to tackle the digital divide while while proposing short long term initiatives to build on existing programs.
0:05:40
Notably, we're making a $2,400,000 investment to upgrade technology in older adult centers, libraries, the NYCHA digital van program.
0:05:50
Additionally, we intend to release a request for a a request for expressions of interest, RFEI, to further explore how the public infrastructure can can improve digital equity outcomes.
0:06:04
We also leverage existing partnerships to expand the programs that provide devices and skills training and will create opportunities for robust coordination through a digital equity working group led by a new chief digital equity officer at OTI.
0:06:19
I look forward to partnering with counsel to accomplish these goals.