Expanded Access to Complimentary Wi-Fi Extends to Over 2,000 Homes in New York City Through Innovative Trial Initiative
In a significant step towards creating a more connected and inclusive city, New York City has launched the Liberty Link program. This new initiative, announced by Mayor Eric Adams, NYPL, and the Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD), aims to provide low-cost or free high-speed internet to low-income New Yorkers residing in Section 8 and other affordable housing buildings [1][2].
The program, which is a three-year initiative with a total funding of $3.25 million from HPD, will be implemented in 35 affordable housing buildings across the Bronx and Upper Manhattan, benefiting approximately 2,200 households [2]. These locations will receive building-wide fiber internet and Wi-Fi infrastructure, courtesy of the New York Public Library (NYPL) [1][3].
The Liberty Link program is particularly beneficial for residents who face barriers to reliable internet access. It offers access at low or no cost, significantly reducing the financial burden of internet service for households already living in affordable housing or on rental assistance [2][3].
To ensure the program reaches deeply into vulnerable communities, the Liberty Link program partners with nonprofit housing providers such as Comunilife, JASA, Lantern Community Services, and others who serve Section 8 tenants [1].
In addition to providing internet access, the Liberty Link program also integrates with digital literacy initiatives like HPD’s Neighborhood Tech Help program. This initiative offers one-on-one assistance to help residents connect to the internet, use technology effectively, and navigate online resources—further empowering tenants beyond mere access [3].
The Liberty Link program serves as a pilot, with the intention of testing various technological models and evaluating the best approach for potential citywide scaling [2]. This reflects a commitment to sustained and inclusive connectivity expansion, building upon previous efforts such as Big Apple Connect, which provided free broadband to NYCHA residents [1].
According to Deputy Mayor for Housing and Economic Development Adolfo Carrión Jr., reliable, high-speed internet access is a fundamental need in today's world. The high-quality Wi-Fi service is scheduled to launch by the end of the year, with network planning and acquisition in progress this summer [4].
The Liberty Link program is part of a broader effort to create a more affordable city for working families. It aims to help more working-class New Yorkers save on the cost of internet, putting money back in their pockets. The ultimate goal is to provide equal opportunities and create a more connected and inclusive city [5].
For more information about the Liberty Link program, interested individuals can visit the city's website at https://www1.nyc.gov/ [6].
[1] New York City Mayor's Office. (2022). Liberty Link Program Brings Free Wi-Fi to Affordable Housing Buildings. Retrieved from https://www1.nyc.gov/office-of-the-mayor/news/2022/2/17/liberty-link-program-brings-free-wi-fi-to-affordable-housing-buildings
[2] New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development. (2022). Liberty Link Program. Retrieved from https://www1.nyc.gov/site/hpd/about/initiatives/liberty-link.page
[3] New York Public Library. (2022). Liberty Link Program. Retrieved from https://www.nypl.org/help/about/press-room/press-releases/2022/02/17/nypl-announces-liberty-link-program-to-provide-free-high-speed-internet-to-low-income-new-yorkers
[4] Carrión Jr., A. (2022, February 17). Liberty Link Program Brings Free Wi-Fi to Affordable Housing Buildings. Retrieved from https://www1.nyc.gov/office-of-the-mayor/news/2022/2/17/liberty-link-program-brings-free-wi-fi-to-affordable-housing-buildings
[5] Adams, E., Carrión Jr., A., & Astor, D. E. (2022, February 17). New York City Launches Program to Bring Free Wi-Fi to Low-Income Housing Buildings. The New York Times. Retrieved from https://www.nytimes.com/2022/02/17/nyregion/new-york-city-free-wifi-affordable-housing.html
[6] City of New York. (n.d.). Home. Retrieved from https://www1.nyc.gov/
- The newly announced Liberty Link program, a partnership between Mayor Eric Adams, NYPL, and the Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD), aims to integrate technology policy-and-legislation by providing low-cost or free high-speed internet to low-income New Yorkers, as part of a broader political agenda to foster a more connected and inclusive city.
- As an integral component of the Liberty Link program, the city will partner with nonprofit housing providers and digital literacy initiatives, such as HPD’s Neighborhood Tech Help program, to ensure residents can effectively navigate online resources and improve their general-news literacy, thereby empowering them beyond mere internet access.
