Thousands of New York homes to receive complimentary internet service in a daring new initiative
New York City Launches Liberty Link to Bridge Digital Divide
In a significant move to address the growing need for reliable internet access, the City of New York has announced the launch of the Liberty Link pilot program. This initiative aims to provide free or low-cost high-speed WiFi to approximately 2,200 households living in affordable housing and Section 8 buildings, primarily in the Bronx and Upper Manhattan.
The three-year program, which is backed by $3.25 million in funding from the HPD, focuses on fiber internet and building-wide Wi-Fi installation in 35 targeted affordable housing sites. The program is a partnership between the NYC Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD) and the New York Public Library (NYPL).
The goal of Liberty Link is to help residents access essential services online such as job searching, education, telehealth, and childcare applications. To ensure that providing Internet access alone is not insufficient, the program includes digital literacy training and one-on-one tech help.
NYPL will handle installing the fiber and Wi-Fi infrastructure, while HPD supports digital literacy programs. The first installations are projected to begin by the end of 2025 in the Bronx, with plans to expand citywide if successful.
The program targets closing the digital divide by ensuring affordable, reliable internet for communities historically underserved in connectivity. It supplements access with skills training and support. The initiative aims to award half the installation contracts to minority- or women-owned businesses, emphasizing equitable economic opportunity.
Mayor Eric Adams, in a statement, emphasized that the internet is no longer a luxury, but an essential service. He stated, "Liberty Link will help more working-class New Yorkers save on the cost of internet service, ensuring that more New Yorkers, regardless of their income or zip code, can fully participate in the economy and society."
For more information about Liberty Link, visit the NYC Mayor’s Office and HPD websites for official announcements and updates. Follow local news coverage, such as CBS News New York, StateScoop, and Secret NYC, which have detailed reports on the program. Contact NYPL or HPD directly for updates on digital literacy offerings related to Liberty Link.
High-quality Wi-Fi service is expected to launch by the end of the year, with network design and contracting underway this summer. Liberty Link is a significant step towards bridging the digital divide in New York City.
- The Liberty Link pilot program, recently launched in New York City, aims to provide affordable high-speed WiFi to approximately 2,200 households, focusing on education, telehealth, and job searching.
- The initiative, backed by $3.25 million in funding, includes digital literacy training and one-on-one tech support to ensure residents can effectively use the internet for personal growth and self-development.
- The program is a collaboration between the NYC Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD) and the New York Public Library (NYPL), with the goal of closing the digital divide by promoting equitable economic opportunity.
- Report on the progress of the Liberty Link program in general-news outlets such as CBS News New York, StateScoop, and Secret NYC, or visit the NYC Mayor’s Office, HPD, and NYPL websites for updates on the policy-and-legislation front and digital literacy offerings.
