Broadband

Chenango County Wireless Broadband Expansion

In June 2021, Chenango County was awarded a $1.9 million Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) through the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES) to build a wireless broadband network in the City of Norwich and Town of New Berlin. The grant is administered by the NYS Office of Community Renewal. Completion of the grant will be in June 2023.

New York State Broadband Assessment

New York State is assessing broadband availability across New York State. Your help is important to identify areas of need for future grant applications and advocacy. Please help us verify the NYS PSC maps by going here: https://mapmybroadband.dps.ny.gov/

Better Connection Program Platform

The Better Connection Program Platform went live June 1st, 2021 at www.betterconnection.org and it is an interactive, user-friendly, and fun digital experience to engage and incite residents throughout our region to “rate their relationship” with their internet service. It is a playful and honest dialog with our residents to voice their frustration and show that with their help, we can work on expanding the broadband infrastructure in our region. The goal is to have Southern Tier 8 residents to:

• ENGAGE WITH THE PLATFORM
• GET THEM TO FEEL HEARD
• GET THEM TO PARTICIPATE

THIS WILL HELP US...
• COLLECT USEFUL DATA to help attract providers with better service options and costs
• SERVE OUR COMMUNITIES and prospective residents looking to relocate to our region in the years to come
• SUPPORT grant writing
• SERVE as a resource for municipalities to respond to new FCC maps (2023)
• RAISE AWARENESS by showing Local, State and Federal leaders the geographic areas that still
lack adequate internet service and that need immediate assistance and funding

Log on FROM YOUR HOME at betterconnection.org to experience the platform and ‘rate’ your relationship status.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE PROGRAM, CONTACT:
Evan Maslin
Telephone: (607) 727-5000
Email: emaslin@southerntier8.org