Governor Hochul launches a $5 million statewide effort to boost wireless coverage through innovative technology solutions

New York – In a move aimed at improving wireless connectivity for all New Yorkers, Governor Kathy Hochul has unveiled a new $5 million initiative focused on finding innovative ways to bring reliable mobile service to underserved areas across the state. The program, officially known as the Connectivity Innovation – Mobile Service Request for Applications (RFA), is part of the larger ConnectALL initiative—an ambitious, billion-dollar statewide effort to close the digital divide and modernize New York’s digital infrastructure.

The newly announced RFA is designed to fund creative, scalable solutions that can help fill gaps in wireless mobile coverage, particularly in rural, remote, or otherwise neglected areas. Applications open on April 11, 2025, and eligible participants have until June 17, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. ET to submit their proposals through New York State’s Consolidated Funding Application portal.

“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 said in the official announcement. “This $5 million investment through our ConnectALL initiative will help develop innovative solutions to ensure all New Yorkers have access to reliable wireless coverage, no matter where they live or work in our state. By empowering our local governments and other stakeholders to implement their own connectivity solutions, we’re taking a creative approach to closing the digital divide.”

Backing Innovation with Real Support

The RFA will distribute a total of $5 million in grants, with ConnectALL anticipating roughly three awards ranging between $1 million and $2 million each. The funding is available to eligible entities that can present a working solution designed to tackle mobile service challenges head-on. Projects must also be capable of hosting multiple mobile network service providers and demonstrate either new technologies or creative uses of existing systems to address connectivity issues.

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Empire State Development President, CEO, and Commissioner Hope Knight emphasized the importance of this program in bridging persistent digital gaps that hinder community development and public safety. “The digital divide takes many forms across our state, and cellular coverage gaps continue to present both economic and safety challenges for many communities,” she said. “This program will empower eligible entities with the resources they need to implement creative solutions that bring reliable cellular service to areas traditionally underserved by the current connectivity marketplace.”

To support potential applicants, ConnectALL plans to host an informational webinar in the coming weeks. Interested participants can receive updates or ask questions by emailing [email protected].

A Broader Vision for a More Connected New York

This RFA is just one part of Governor Hochul’s broader ConnectALL strategy—a statewide initiative that is investing a historic $1 billion to make high-speed internet more accessible and affordable for everyone, regardless of ZIP code. The program aims to not only expand infrastructure but also foster innovation, enhance competition among providers, and support new technological developments.

Among the many initiatives already launched under ConnectALL are the following:

• The Digital Equity Program, which is investing $50 million (including at least $37 million in federal funding) to implement New York’s Digital Equity Plan. ConnectALL recently closed applications for its Capacity Grant program, through which it expects to award around $15.5 million.

• The Affordable Housing Connectivity Program, which is offering up to $100 million in grants to fund broadband infrastructure in affordable and public housing. The first round of awards has already helped over 14,000 low-income households in Buffalo, New York City, and Rochester access broadband service for as little as $10 to $30 per month.

• The Municipal Infrastructure Program, which supports broadband expansion projects owned or controlled by public utilities. With Phase 4 applications open until April 25, 2025, ConnectALL has already awarded more than $240 million through the program, funding nearly 2,400 miles of broadband infrastructure to reach around 98,000 locations statewide.

• The ConnectALL Deployment Program, which funds ISPs to extend service to unserved or underserved locations. This initiative is supported by a $664.6 million allocation from the federal Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program.

• The Connectivity Innovation Program, which is driving research and development, encouraging new business models, and supporting technology entrepreneurs with the goal of fostering a more equitable and competitive broadband marketplace.

Building a Future Where Everyone Is Connected

The RFA’s focus on innovation is a deliberate effort to move beyond traditional models of connectivity and instead look toward the future. By inviting public and private stakeholders to propose fresh ideas, the state hopes to unlock novel solutions that might otherwise be overlooked by large telecommunications providers.

State Senator Kristen Gonzalez applauded the effort, noting its potential to improve access for communities that have historically been left behind. “All New Yorkers, regardless of location, deserve access to reliable cell phone service and a connection to the digital world. I want to thank the Governor for opening this RFA and for investing in digital infrastructure and connectivity access in communities that need it most,” Gonzalez said.

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Assemblymember Steve Otis echoed that sentiment and highlighted the real-world impacts of poor mobile service. “Gaps in wireless cellular coverage present challenges to public health, emergency response, economic growth, education, and equity for individuals and businesses in areas without service. New York State has made a priority of filling these gaps throughout the state,” Otis stated. “This Connectivity Innovation grant opportunity is another creative way the ConnectALL office is seeking to encourage new approaches to close the remaining gap areas. Congratulations to Governor Hochul, Empire State Development, and the ConnectALL team for another innovative program to solve these broadband coverage challenges.”

A Call to Action for Change-Makers

The state is now actively encouraging local governments, non-profit organizations, research institutions, and innovative tech companies to apply for the grants. While the technical challenges of expanding wireless coverage can be significant—especially in mountainous or low-density areas—the state hopes that this targeted funding will inspire viable new models that can eventually scale beyond New York’s borders.

As the digital world becomes increasingly central to education, healthcare, work, and emergency response, the ability to access reliable cellular service is no longer optional—it’s essential. Through the Mobile Service RFA and the broader ConnectALL initiative, New York is reaffirming its commitment to digital inclusion and making real investments to ensure every resident, regardless of geography, has a fair shot at staying connected.

To view program materials, application instructions, or stay informed on future announcements, applicants are encouraged to visit the ConnectALL website.

The path to full connectivity is long, but with bold leadership and collaborative innovation, New York State is taking major strides to lead the way.