What you should know
- New York City will bring free internet and cable TV to 150,000 homes across the city as part of the program AppleConnectNew York City Mayor Eric Adams announced Tuesday. The expansion of this program will reach 17 NYCHA public housing projects. At the moment the initiative reaches a total of 220 agency facilities.
- The free internet program will reach more than 30,000 additional New Yorkers in 9 public housing in Manhattan, 7 in Brooklyn and 1 in The Bronx.
- Big Apple Connect offers NYCHA residents a free package consisting of a high-speed Internet connection in the home, including a modem and router; basic cable television service, including cable box and remote control; and Wi-Fi hotspots in common areas, selected in consultation with NYCHA.
NEW YORK — New York City will bring free Internet and cable TV to 150,000 more homes across the city as part of the program AppleConnectNew York City Mayor Eric Adams announced Tuesday. The expansion of this program will reach 17 NYCHA public housing projects. At the moment the initiative reaches a total of 220 agency facilities.
“With today’s expansion of our program Big Apple Connectwe’ve quickly connected nearly every NYCHA resident in the city to broadband in less than a year, helping them unlock economic, educational and social opportunities that will make them more productive and connected,” said Mayor Eric Adams.
The free internet program will reach more than 30,000 additional New Yorkers in 9 public housing in Manhattan, 7 in Brooklyn and 1 in The Bronx.
In June, Big Apple Connect Exceeded 100,000 household enrollments and 75% adoption in qualifying public housing projects. The program, which is the largest municipal broadband program in the country, has saved NYCHA residents tens of millions of dollars since its inception, according to service providers.
What are the new projects that will have free internet:
- 303 Vernon Avenue (Brooklyn)
- Atlantic Terminal Site 4B (Brooklyn)
- Baruch Houses (Manhattan)
- Baruch Houses Addition (Manhattan)
- De Hostos Apartments (Manhattan)
- Jefferson (Manhattan)
- Kingsborough Houses (Brooklyn)
- Kingsborough Extension (Brooklyn)
- Manhattanville Houses
- Morrisania Air Rights (The Bronx)
- Red Hook East (Brooklyn)
- Red Hook West (Brooklyn)
- Riis Houses (Manhattan)
- Riis Houses II (Manhattan)
- Saint Nicholas (Manhattan)
- Wald (Manhattan)
- Woodson (Brooklyn)
What the program provides
Big Apple Connect offers residents of NYCHA developments a free package consisting of a high-speed Internet connection in the home, including a modem and router; basic cable television service, including cable box and remote control; and Wi-Fi hotspots in common areas, selected in consultation with NYCHA.
Leveraging existing infrastructure to deliver affordable Internet service as quickly as possible, OTI entered into three-year agreements with Altice (Optimum) and Charter (Spectrum), ensuring program delivery through 2025, with two extension options through 2027 OTI is billed directly for all residents enrolled in the program.
Existing Optimum and Spectrum customers who live in NYCHA projects where ‘Big Apple Connect’ is active are automatically enrolled in the program and are billed only for the additional services they choose to purchase directly. Residents receive email notifications and mailings explaining why their bills have been reduced, as well as information about “Big Apple Connect.” Residents without existing service can register directly through Optimum or Spectrum or can attend on-site registration events hosted by the companies in partnership with OTI.
How can I check if my NYCHA residence is part of the program?
New Yorkers can view a complete list of NYCHA developments that qualify for Big Apple Connect online.
