Bill > S00924

This bill requires the Empire State Development Corporation (ESD) to create and maintain a comprehensive statewide broadband availability map that shows internet coverage and maximum speeds across New York. The map will be developed in coordination with the broadband program office and must be initially published by July 1, 2026, with annual updates thereafter. Broadband providers will be required to submit annual service territory data to ESD, but the data submission requirements will be limited to information already required by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). The map will be anonymized, meaning it will show served and unserved locations without identifying specific providers or network ownership. ESD can contract with private parties to improve and maintain the map, and providers will have a mechanism to challenge map inaccuracies. Importantly, the map will be advisory but not conclusive for determining eligibility for broadband expansion grants. The bill also includes strict privacy protections, ensuring that provider-submitted information remains confidential and cannot be publicly disclosed without express written permission. Additionally, if the FCC produces a comparable map, ESD may waive the data submission requirement for providers.

Business and Industry

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S924