New Initiative Aims to Expand Free Internet Access for Low-Income Families

The mayor has introduced a new pilot program to improve internet accessibility for struggling families in the city. Named “Liberty Link,” this three-year effort is funded with $3.2 million in federal dollars and targets 35 affordable housing complexes, reaching approximately 2,200 households in upper Manhattan and the Bronx.

Mayor Eric Adams emphasized the importance of internet in modern life, stating, “As our cities become more automated and AI-driven, internet access is no longer a luxury but a necessity.” The program builds upon the successful “Big Apple Connect” initiative, which since 2022 has provided free broadband in select neighborhoods, aiding over 90,000 households and saving families an average of $1,700 annually.

“Liberty Link” aims to extend these benefits, offering free or reduced-cost Wi-Fi to more residents, especially those who previously experienced unreliable service or high costs. The city will leverage funds from the CARES Act, with management led by the New York Public Libraries and the Housing and Preservation Department, which also offers tech support services.

Public officials highlight the critical role of internet in daily activities such as homework, healthcare, and employment applications. “Many residents in the Bronx live in digital deserts with limited or no reliable access,” noted the department’s acting commissioner. Similarly, NYPL’s vice president of technologies pointed out that certain neighborhoods are cut off from digital participation, which hampers social and economic engagement.

The initiative aims to bridge this digital divide by expanding free internet access and making it a more integral part of community life, ultimately helping residents save money and improve their quality of life.