Monroe County Executive Adam Bello Announces Completion of "Community Access Plan and Funding Strategy for Broadband" Report
Our very own Joe Carella, a senior broadband consultant at Magellan, is working with Monroe County to assess local broadband access and was recently on a local WXXI News podcast. Monroe County is currently assessing internet access and affordability in the area. Listen to the podcast for free on this WXXI News link
January 26th, 2023
Monroe County Executive Adam Bello today released the “Community Access Plan and Strategy for Broadband” report that will serve as a blueprint for determining how to best leverage $20 million in American Rescue Plan Act funding to improve internet access in underserved and unconnected areas of the county.
“Our digital divide isn’t a new or unique issue, but it is one that holds too many of our residents back from fully participating in economic, educational and civic opportunities,” said County Executive Bello. “To truly Bring Monroe Back and reflect Monroe County’s legacy and future as an innovation hub, a great place to raise a family and a place where opportunity abounds for residents and businesses alike, we must find concrete solutions to closing service gaps and eliminating barriers to broadband access. High-speed internet is essential infrastructure — not a luxury — and is as critical to the future of our community’s growth as indoor plumbing, electricity and paved roads.”
County Executive Bello convened government, civic and nonprofit leaders as the Monroe County Advisory Task Force on Broadband in March 2021 to assess internet services in low-income and rural areas of Monroe County, with a goal of finding concrete solutions that will close service gaps and eliminate barriers to access.
Read the full release here -->> https://www.monroecounty.gov/news-2022-01-26-broadband
To learn more about government funding of broadband infrastructure projects, click over to our funding page now.
*featured image by Rochester City Newspaper