Free Internet Installed at 3 NYCHA Developments

On March 26, three Manhattan NYCHA developments – Riis, Wald, and Baruch Houses – celebrated the launch of free internet service for residents provided by Flume Internet. The initiative is part of the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), which provides eligible households with a discount on broadband service and connected devices. ACP seeks to ensure that low-income households can afford broadband internet service for work, school, and more. Qualifying residents can receive up to $30 a month off an internet plan and equipment rentals, as well as a one-time discount of up to $100 for a laptop, tablet, or desktop computer (with a copayment between $10 and $50).

“We are thrilled to partner with Flume in the shared mission of bringing affordable broadband service to residents of NYCHA developments and look forward to the tangible step this deployment will have in closing New York City’s digital divide,” said NYCHA Chair & CEO Greg Russ. “The Authority is committed to improving our technological infrastructure, and this public-private collaboration will allow us to expand much-needed internet service options across our portfolio.” 

The event took place at Riis Houses’ community center and was attended by elected officials, including Senator Brian Kavanagh, Assembly Member Harvey Epstein, and Council Member Carlina Rivera. They were joined by NYCHA’s Vice President of Strategy and Operations Arvind Sohoni as well as community-based organizations and residents.

Flume Internet is one of six broadband service providers that is working with NYCHA to provide low-cost or free high-speed internet to residents. According to Flume co-founder Brandon Gibson, this program will provide the first access to in-home broadband for one in every four households across the sites.