Southern Tier businesses, residents urged to take New York broadband survey

BINGHAMTON, N.Y. — Residents and businesses across the Southern Tier and throughout New York can take the Empire State Broadband Assessment Survey by Feb. 28.

The state will use the findings to determine the steps necessary to provide “better broadband access to unserved and underserved” addresses in the Southern Tier and throughout the Empire State.

New York is earmarked for billions in broadband investment, and Southern Tier officials are “working quickly to help secure the region’s share of digital infrastructure funding,” per a Southern Tier 8 Regional Board news release.

The recently signed Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) includes $65 billion for national broadband expansion.

The Southern Tier 8 Regional Board describes itself as a “multifaceted” economic-development and planning agency serving eight counties that include Broome, Chenango, Cortland, Delaware, Otsego, Schoharie, Tioga, and Tompkins.

Jen Gregory, executive director of the Southern Tier 8 Regional Board, announced a collaboration with the New York State Broadband Office to develop “accurate broadband maps” to prioritize how the billions in federal and state funds will flow to communities.

“Until now, many of us who have been working to connect the region have been relying on anecdotal evidence and inaccurate federal maps,” Gregory said. “This survey is critically important for the Southern Tier because we’ll be able to show state and federal officials with accuracy, that there are significant connectivity gaps in the Southern Tier and Central New York. These connectivity gaps must be addressed immediately so our region can remain economically competitive.”

How those monies are distributed will be dependent on the accuracy of broadband mapping in New York will help determine New York’s allotment of the federal broadband-expansion funding, the Board said.

“It is essential that as many people in the Southern Tier and Central New York complete the survey so decisions about broadband investment are made with real data,” Gregory said. “Through this survey, we and the state can identify areas with little-to-no options for broadband services, as well as better understand consumer adoption. We need to eliminate as many barriers as possible for residents, including digital training and device ownership, so they can participate in the digital economy.”

In November, Southern Tier 8 announced the formation of Project Connect, a multi-county, multi-year initiative to connect every home and business in Broome, Chenango, Cortland, Delaware, Otsego, Schoharie, Tioga, and Tompkins Counties to high-speed broadband.

Taking the survey

Instructions to complete the survey and speed test can be found in English and Spanish at https://www.empirestatebroadband.com.

Participants can also use their cell phone to complete the survey or call the toll-free number at 1-855-NYBBMAP (1-855-692-2627) and follow instructions to have a paper copy mailed to their home.