The initial investments were announced last September, but had to go through a public comment period and then be approved by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA). And the numbers for regional investments have changed slightly since The Post-Star’s September report.
The $542 million investment includes $287 million in federal funding, $7 million in state funding, and $248 million in private sector funding from nine participating internet service providers. The federal funding for these awards comes from $664.6 million that Congress allocated to New York State in 2023 as part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law through the Broadband, Equity, Access, and Deployment Program (BEAD). Next steps include submitting provisional awards for state and federal environmental review, the announcement explained.
Saratoga County was one of 29 counties to be included in a $121,177,268 award to CBN America, LLC, which plans to bring fiber optic technology to the region. Saratoga, Warren, and Washington counties were also among the 37 counties listed that will be served by a $22,300,500 award to Space Exploration Technologies Corp. (also known as Elon Musk’s SpaceX), which will provide low Earth orbit satellite technology.
Additionally, Washington County is listed among the 13 counties to be served by a $56,120,006 award to Verizon New York, Inc. to provide certain areas with fiber optic technology.
Representative Paul D. Tonko said, “Broadband internet access is an essential resource for families and businesses across our Capital Region and throughout New York. That’s why I’ve worked to lead the charge in Congress to expand broadband access both here at home and nationwide. After a long fight, today’s launch of BEAD funding marks a real step forward in closing the digital divide once and for all. Our constituents have been asking for this for far too long, and I’m proud to join Governor Hochul in celebrating this historic investment. It will connect tens of thousands of New Yorkers to affordable, high-speed internet — opening doors to education, economic opportunity and essential services.”
© 2026 The Post Star (Glens Falls, N.Y.). Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
