New York City launches $10M broadband project targeting public housing

Bill de Blasio, New York City's mayor, said it will invest up to $10 million to deliver free broadband service to over 16,000 residents living in five public housing developments in Brooklyn, the Bronx and Queens. The project will begin with a pilot that will provide wireless access to the 7,000 residents of the Queensbridge North and South houses, one of the United States' largest public housing projects.

New York's move follows President Obama's ConnectHome program, which is designed to get ISPs, nonprofit organizations, and the private sector to offer a broadband service, devices, digital literacy programs and technical training in HUD-assisted housing units. Joining other cities such as Atlanta and Los Angeles, New York City is one of 27 cities participating in the ConnectHome initiative. Telecompaper article