National Telecommunications and Information Administration and New York officials have approved final awards under the federal Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program, paving the way for a countywide fiber-optic broadband expansion in Ulster County.
County Executive Jen Metzger and Jenny Lee, chair of the Citizens Commission for Digital Inclusion, announced that all 1,293 unserved locations in the county will receive fiber broadband service under the program.
The BEAD program distributes federal funding to states, which then partner with internet service providers to expand broadband infrastructure. As part of the statewide awards announced by Kathy Hochul, Verizon — Ulster County’s participating provider — will receive $56.1 million in BEAD funding statewide. Of that, $17.3 million is allocated to Ulster County, with Verizon contributing an additional $41.7 million, bringing the total local investment to $59 million.
Federal funding accounts for 29% of the Ulster County project, while Verizon will cover 71%. Among the 14 counties receiving Verizon-related BEAD funds, Ulster County’s share represents 31% of the total — the largest allocation among recipients.
“Reliable broadband is a basic necessity for education, work, health, public safety, and everyday life, and we will now be getting the service we need in the most underserved areas of Ulster County,” Metzger said. “With New York State moving forward on BEAD implementation, federal funding paired with Verizon’s substantial investment will ensure that every one of our 1,293 unserved locations finally receives fiber-optic service.”
Metzger noted that some counties nationwide were unable to secure fiber service and will instead rely on fixed wireless or satellite options.
In 2022, County Comptroller March Gallagher formed the Citizens Commission for Digital Inclusion, which advocated for fiber broadband across the county.
“We fought hard to ensure that every unserved household and business would receive true fiber broadband — not a satellite workaround — and the state announcement confirms that we achieved that goal,” Gallagher said.
Lee said the investment represents a long-term solution for the county’s connectivity needs.
“With its $41.7 million investment, Verizon has put real skin in the game — it assures a future-proof fiber network solution that enhances economic opportunity, education, and quality of life for all residents,” she said.
Other commission members also praised the announcement. Town of Olive Supervisor Jim Sofranko credited county leadership and the commission’s work navigating the funding process, calling the project “a big win for expanding Ulster County’s infrastructure.”
Shandaken Deputy Supervisor Robert Drake said fiber internet is critical for employment, telehealth and emergency communications, while Phoenicia Library Director Liz Potter called the rollout the realization of a long-held goal for residents.
Next steps include New York State finalizing contracts with internet service providers, completing environmental reviews and distributing BEAD funds to begin construction of the network.
Image: Map of BEAD Awards Statewide (Ulster County Government)