Governor Hochul just said it – “In today’s digital world, reliable cellular service isn’t a luxury – it’s a necessity for public safety, economic opportunity, and quality of life.”
Governor Hochul’s support for wireless connectivity comes as part of a State announcement to open up $5 million in state funding for the deployment of innovative scalable solutions to address gaps in wireless service. The State is seeking new ways to expand reliable service and has published a Mobile Service Request for Applications. The Mobile RFA is a key component of New York’s Mobile Service Connectivity Initiative announced by the Governor in her State of the State message to include regional planning and investments in new fiber optic infrastructure and support for expanded cellular coverage. Read the Press Release.
The New York State Office of ConnectALL recently opened the Mobile RFA application on April 11th and proposals are due by June 17, 2025. Eligible applicants include a broad array of entities, including many in NYSWA’s membership. Complete program details and application materials are available at the ConnectALL website and include application instructions and network design guidance, an item of particular interest.
Want to know more? ConnectALL will be holding an Information Session on May 8th at 1pm which you can join by clicking this link. You may also email wireless@esd.ny.gov with a reference to the Mobile Connectivity Innovation RFA to be added to ConnectALL’s distribution list. Potential applicants are also encouraged to Read the Connectivity Innovation Program Guidelines for more information on the overall Program.
Christopher Fisher is a founding member and former President of NYSWA. Chris served on New York State’s Upstate Cellular Taskforce. He Chair’s the Digital Infrastructure Practice at the law firm of Cuddy & Feder.