The Office of Technology and Innovation (OTI) is committed to democratizing technology access to ensure New Yorkers in historically underconnected communities have the resources, devices, skills, and supports to make high-speed internet connectivity work for them.
The internet is essential for full participation in our city and economy. OTI delivers fast, reliable, and safe connectivity to New Yorkers through a variety of programs.
While internet access is available in the city, there remains an adoption gap — particularly among older adults and lower-income residents. OTI leads several programs to address the interrelated aspects of this gap.
NEW YORK CITY’S DIGITAL EQUITY ROADMAP
New York City provides more residents with free internet than any other city in the nation. The city also supplies equitable access to devices, digital skills training, and additional support programs to ensure New Yorkers across the five boroughs are equipped to use the internet. The Digital Equity Roadmap commits to further action through 11 new initiatives that will be initiated or completed in 2025, including the creation of an interagency Digital Equity Working Group to foster greater coordination and efficiency on these efforts. In addition, the roadmap comes with a $2.4 million investment that will make it easier for New Yorkers of all ages to access devices and digital literacy skills programming in their communities. Read the full roadmap.
As OTI implements these pioneering efforts, we will use this site to make key updates and information available to the public.
ACCESS
Big Apple Connect
Big Apple Connect brings free high-speed internet and basic cable to residents of 220 New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) developments across the city. If you live in one of these developments and already have service with a participating provider, your bill will be credited and no action is necessary. If you don’t already have service, you can apply with a participating internet/cable provider today.
LinkNYC
LinkNYC is the city's free outdoor Wi-Fi network, available in all five boroughs. Find out more about LinkNYC.
Parks Wi-Fi
Public Wi-Fi service is available on a free and limited-free basis in NYC Parks across the five boroughs. Find free Wi-Fi in NYC's parks.
Low-cost Internet Plans
Low-cost internet plans are available to eligible New Yorkers. Lifeline is a federal program that reduces the cost of Internet or phone service. For more information, please visit: https://www.lifelinesupport.org/get-help/
Affordable Broadband Act
The Affordable Broadband Act (ABA) requires internet service providers in New York State, with limited exceptions, to offer reduced-cost plans to qualifying households. To learn more about reduced-cost plan options, reach out to the internet service providers in your area for information on low-cost offerings that might be available.
Visit https://broadband.ny.gov/consumer-resources for more information.
DEVICES, DIGITAL SKILLS, AND SUPPORT
NYC Connected Communities
OTI funds and administers NYC Connected Communities, a long-term, large-scale digital inclusion initiative that provides digital literacy and employment resources in historically underserved areas for thousands of New Yorkers every year. In partnership with NYC Parks, the Department for the Aging (DFTA), NYCHA, and the city's three library systems, NYC Connected Communities underwrites over 100 public sites to enable critical delivery of devices, software, mobile hotspots, and over 24,000 hours annually of high-quality digital literacy programs.
Connected Communities sites are just some of the many public computer centers in NYC. Learn more and find a public computer center near you.