Giving Compass' Take:

• Private companies will have the chance to detail how they will use New York City's assets to bring broadband digital access to underserved neighborhoods.

• How does the digital divide affect development and education? Why is it important to expand access to internet and digital devices? 

• Learn how the Digital Equity Act of 2019 will affect the digital divide.

Addressing the digital divide and increasing broadband access has become a national priority, with a particular focus on closing the urban-rural divide. However, the statistics from New York are a reminder that cities face their own divides, with many poor neighborhoods lacking affordable options for internet access. In response, some have looked to encourage municipally-run broadband internet, with success in Chattanooga, TN and others looking to replicate their efforts.

New York’s plan notes that this is a "once-in-a-generation opportunity," with some existing contracts expiring or reaching milestones, and new wireless technologies like 5G coming online. New York has been an early launch site for 5G and hosts a Federal Communications Commission (FCC) "innovation zone" project on mobile technology. The city is entering "the most pivotal period for its communications infrastructure since the dawn of the internet," making it the right time to push access to new areas, according to the plan.

A key part of the plan is making city assets available for the first time and allowing multiple providers to share those assets for a variety of technology. The city will make investments and partner with private companies to support the build out. The planned infrastructure, if built throughout the entire city, would cost an estimated $2.1 billion, although the initial focus will be on unconnected neighborhoods.

Read the full article about NYC's internet plan by Jason Plautz at Smart Cities Dive.