Survey Seeks to Determine Reliability and Affordability of Broadband Infrastructure
MAYVILLE, N.Y.: --- The New York State Department of Public Service is mapping broadband infrastructure across the State and it needs public input to understand what’s happening in our communities. The Broadband Assessment Survey is a tool being utilized by the State to study the reliability and affordability of high-speed broadband infrastructure throughout New York State.
Chautauqua County recently approved funding from its American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) allocation to build out broadband infrastructure across the county, specifically in those areas that are unserved or underserved. This survey will aid us in determining the areas that require and deserve this investment. The Department of Public Service needs the communities’ input about their broadband issues so that it can become part of a broadband study to be released this spring for needs across the state.
“We hope to have a really large response rate so that we can demonstrate to New York State that we are in need of additional broadband infrastructure to serve our population more equitably, and this will supplement our ARPA allocation,” said PJ Wendel, Chautauqua County Executive. “What became abundantly clear during the COVID-19 pandemic is that there are plenty of gaps in our broadband coverage across the county, and this infrastructure is key to not only our businesses and schools, but the population at large.”
The survey takes about 5 to 7 minutes to complete and will assist the agency in accurately reporting where broadband infrastructure exists and where it does not. Visit https://www.empirestatebroadband.com/ by March 18, 2022 to take the survey digitally or call the toll-free broadband assessment line at 1-855-NYBBMAP (1-855-692-2627) to receive a paper copy in the mail.
The survey must be completed by March 18, 2022, and be sure to tag @NYSDPS and the hashtag #MyBroadbandNY so that we can support your posts and keep the momentum going!
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