Governor Kathy Hochul announced the groundbreaking of a $29.9 million broadband infrastructure project in Sullivan County that will bring high-speed internet access to more than 22,000 homes and businesses across the region's rural and mountainous terrain.
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The project, funded through New York State's Municipal Infrastructure Program under the ConnectALL initiative, represents the largest single broadband investment in Sullivan County's history and advances the Governor's commitment to ensuring every New Yorker has access to reliable, affordable high-speed internet.
The groundbreaking will mark the beginning of construction on 253 miles of fiber optic cable and an expansion on an existing tower that will work in conjunction with Sullivan County's 11 existing towers to deliver broadband service to previously unserved and underserved locations.
“Today marks a historic turning point for Sullivan County — we're finally bridging the gap that has held back too many communities for far too long,†Governor Hochul said.
“This publicly-owned infrastructure isn't just about faster internet — it's about opening doors to better healthcare, education, and economic opportunities that access to high speed internet brings to the table.
"No New Yorker should be left behind simply because of where they live, and this project ensures that rural communities have the same access to opportunity as anywhere else in our state.â€
Sullivan County faces unique broadband deployment challenges due to its rural and mountainous terrains.
Under the innovative public-private partnership model, Sullivan County will own the infrastructure while Archtop Fiber LLC will serve as internet service provider, ensuring competitive pricing and service options for residents and businesses.
Construction on the fiber network will begin following the groundbreaking ceremony, with the first connections anticipated within 18 months.
The project will be completed in phases, prioritizing areas with the greatest need while ensuring minimal disruption to local communities. ■