Mohawk Valley agencies plan to address internet access, digital equity

State and regional organizations recently met at Mohawk Valley Community College’s Utica campus to discuss challenges and opportunities related to internet access and digital equity in the Mohawk Valley.

This was one of the more recent steps as the region looks to address internet access issues.

MVCC, New York State ConnectALL, and the Mohawk Valley Regional Economic Development (MVEDD) Council partnered to host an Internet and Digital Equity Listening Session on Wednesday, March 15.

The event brought together stakeholders from across the Mohawk Valley to share input to inform ConnectALL’s development of New York's broadband deployment and digital equity plan.

“The Mohawk Valley listening session was the first in a series being hosted by NY State's ConnectALL office to uncover and understand the challenges community members face with access to internet,” said Lauren Mattia, community development specialist at MVEDD in a statement.

“Whether it’s physical connectivity, affordability, or the knowledge needed to use the internet for tasks that used to be done in person, it's the gap NY State wants to fill.”

We've got an internet problem

Internet connectivity has long been an issue in the Mohawk Valley, with Oneida and Herkimer Counties working together to address the issue. Oneida County Executive Anthony Picente Jr. also has noted the importance of tackling the problem during several past county addresses.

Oneida County has made some great strides in this area.

In February, Oneida County announced it is seeking proposals from internet providers to better expand its broadband service into underserved areas, all part of a $2 million project.