Media Contact: 
Mark Wigfield (202) 418-0509
mark.wigfield@fcc.gov
For Immediate Release
FCC VOTES TO EXPAND BROADBAND DEPLOYMENT IN NEW YORK 
FCC Takes Quick Action Following the Transition to Address the Digital Divide  
WASHINGTON, January 26, 2017 – In its first action under Chairman Ajit Pai, the FCC today 
voted to provide up to $170 million from the Connect America Fund to expand broadband 
deployment in unserved rural areas of New York State.
The $170 million in federal funding will be coupled with at least $200 million in state funding 
and private investment to jump-start broadband deployment and close the digital divide in these 
unserved areas more quickly. This partnership with the state program will also result in more 
efficient and effective use of both state and federal funding.
“Broadband is critical to economic opportunity and job creation,” said FCC Chairman Ajit Pai.
“This is a first step of many to fulfill my promise to empower Americans with online 
opportunities, no matter who they are and no matter where they live.”
The Order adopted by the FCC today will authorize Connect America Phase II support in areas 
where applicants are selected through New York’s competitive New NY Broadband Program, 
subject to specified conditions to ensure broad participation and ongoing oversight. The funding 
that will be made available was declined by Verizon in 2015.
The FCC in 2011 modernized its universal service program supporting rural voice service by 
creating the Connect America Fund to efficiently and effectively support expansion of rural 
broadband. The funds are targeted to rural areas where the private sector is unable to make a 
business case to provide broadband service, absent these subsidies. The Commission continues to 
work on implementing a nationwide auction to award support for broadband deployment in other 
rural areas of the country.
Overall, the FCC’s Universal Service Fund allocates $4.5 billion annually through various 
universal service programs for high-cost areas to support voice- and broadband-capable networks 
in rural America.
###
Office of Media Relations: (202) 418-0500
TTY: (888) 835-5322
Twitter: @FCC
www.fcc.gov/office-media-relations
This is an unofficial announcement of Commission action.  Release of the full text of a Commission order 
constitutes official action.  See MCI v. FCC. 515 F 2d 385 (D.C. Circ 1974).