Monroe County Executive Adam Bello announces a $4.2 million initiative that will expand affordable high speed broadband internet access to low income Rochester households and small businesses

Monroe County, New York – Monroe County officials are stepping forward with a major push to bring reliable internet access to residents who have been left behind by the digital divide. County Executive Adam Bello announced that $4.2 million from the American Rescue Plan Act will fund a partnership with Community Broadband Networks (CBN) to deliver affordable, high-speed broadband service to underserved neighborhoods in the City of Rochester.

The effort aims to connect thousands of families and small businesses that struggle to stay online due to cost or lack of service. With the pandemic underscoring the role of internet access in education, healthcare, and economic opportunity, leaders say the project could mark a turning point for residents in some of the city’s most vulnerable zip codes.

“Access to high-speed internet is a necessity for education, employment, healthcare, and everyday life,” said County Executive Bello. “This investment ensures that more Rochester residents and small business owners have the opportunity to access affordable, reliable broadband services.”

Federal Support Behind Local Action

The program has strong backing from federal representatives, who see the investment as part of a wider push to modernize infrastructure and improve equity. Congressman Joe Morelle emphasized that broadband is no longer a luxury but a basic need in modern life.

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“High-speed internet is no longer a luxury—it’s a necessity, and every family deserves a connection,” said Congressman Joe Morelle. “Today’s investment ensures that regardless of zip code or income, families across Monroe County will have access to the opportunities that come with being connected. I’m grateful to County Executive Bello for his continued leadership and utilization of federal dollars to build a better, brighter future for Rochester.”

U.S. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer also highlighted the federal role in securing funding through both the American Rescue Plan and the federal infrastructure law.

“In today’s world, high-speed internet is as vital as roads and bridges – it connects kids to their schoolwork, patients to their doctors, and small businesses to customers around the globe,” said U.S. Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer. “That’s why I fought to deliver the American Rescue Plan, because I knew it would bring real results like this $4.2 million investment to Rochester and over $600 million from the infrastructure law for communities that do not have internet access. Now, thanks to these federal dollars, thousands more Rochester families will get the reliable, affordable internet they deserve. I commend County Executive Bello and Community Broadband Networks for turning federal funds into real progress that closes the digital divide and helps power Rochester’s future.”

Senator Kirsten Gillibrand echoed that message, stressing the importance of digital equity in everyday life.

“Closing the digital divide is paramount to ensure that no community struggles with access to health care, education, or the connections that bring us together. I’ve long fought to secure resources in the Senate to address broadband infrastructure needs, and I commend Monroe County and the City of Rochester for this partnership that will help affordable internet connectivity reach the Rochester residents that need it most. I was proud to secure this funding through the American Rescue Plan Act, and I will work to ensure that all New York communities have the resources they need to thrive,” said U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand.

Local Leaders Stress Urgency

The announcement comes at a critical moment for Rochester residents. The expiration of the federal Affordable Connectivity Program left many households without subsidies to cover monthly internet costs. Local legislators stressed that this investment will fill that gap and restore connectivity for thousands of households.

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“The end of the federal Affordable Connectivity Program left many Rochester families and small businesses disconnected from the internet they need to succeed,” said Legislature President Yversha Román. “With this investment, we are restoring affordable, reliable internet access to more than 26,000 city residents and small businesses in our most vulnerable neighborhoods. Access to broadband is not a luxury, it is essential for education, healthcare, socialization, and economic opportunity.”

Other county lawmakers emphasized that broadband should be seen as a utility on par with water, power, and transportation.

“It becomes more and more evident we must bridge the digital divide existing in our County and particularly the City of Rochester,” said Legislature Majority Leader Michael Yudelson. “Access to reliable, high-speed internet is no longer a luxury, but a necessity and we must ensure our families, seniors, and children are able to connect with the resources they need when they need them.”

Legislator Paul Dondorfer added that connectivity affects not just education but also public safety.

“Too many families in our community have been left behind because they can’t afford reliable internet access,” said Legislator Paul Dondorfer. “By expanding affordable high- speed broadband into underserved neighborhoods, we are giving students, parents, and seniors the tools they need to succeed in today’s world. Reliable connectivity also bolsters public safety, ensuring first responders and residents alike can access the critical information and resources they need when it matters most.”

What The Program Offers

Community Broadband Networks will oversee the network buildout, which combines fixed wireless and fiber optic infrastructure to achieve 100 percent coverage in the targeted neighborhoods. The service will be offered in zip codes 14604, 14605, 14608, 14611, 14613, 14614, and 14621.

Households that qualify can expect speeds of at least 100 megabytes per second. To encourage enrollment, CBN is offering the first two months of service free, followed by a flat $30 monthly rate guaranteed for five years. Free installation and a Wi-Fi router are included.

Eligibility is broad, covering residents who meet low-income criteria or who participate in programs such as Temporary Assistance, SNAP, WIC, Section 8 housing, Pell Grants, and the National School Lunch Program. Seniors receiving Medicare Part D Low-Income Subsidies and individuals enrolled in LIHEAP or SSI also qualify.

“At Community Broadband Networks, we’re proud to partner with Monroe County and the City of Rochester to expand affordable broadband and bring reliable, high-speed Internet to neighbors who remain underserved or unserved. We believe Internet access is a necessity in the world we live in today—and together we’re making sure every household and business has the opportunity to learn, work, and thrive,” said Steve Richards, CEO of Community Broadband Networks, Rochester.

Looking Ahead

The broadband initiative is expected to directly benefit more than 26,000 residents and businesses in Rochester, with long-term effects on economic development, education, and public health. By securing stable, low-cost service, local officials hope to remove one of the barriers that has kept too many households disconnected from opportunities in the digital economy.

For information on how to apply or determine eligibility, residents can visit cbn-america.com/cbn-roc/ or call (585) 326-5000.