State seeks input for broadband survey
MAYVILLE — The New York State Department of Public Service is seeking public input as it maps broadband infrastructure.
A broadband assessment survey is being utilized to study the reliability and affordability of high-speed broadband infrastructure throughout New York state.
Chautauqua County recently approved funding from its American Rescue Plan Act allocation to build out broadband infrastructure across the county, specifically in areas that are “unserved or underserved.” The survey, the county said in a news release, will aid in determining areas that require investment.
County officials said the state Department of Public Service needs local input about broadband issues to be included in the broadband study, set to be released in the spring.
“We hope to have a really large response rate so that we can demonstrate to New York state that we are in need of additional broadband infrastructure to serve our population more equitably, and this will supplement our ARPA allocation,” said County Executive PJ Wendel. “What became abundantly clear during the COVID-19 pandemic is that there are plenty of gaps in our broadband coverage across the county, and this infrastructure is key to not only our businesses and schools, but the population at large.”
The survey — available at empirestatebroadband.com through March 18 — takes about five to seven minutes to complete and will assist the agency in accurately reporting where broadband infrastructure exists and where it does not. To receive a paper copy in the mail, call 1-855-692-2627.