Assemblyman Robert Smullen (118th Assembly District) has drafted a bill in partnership with Sen. Joseph A. Griffo (47th State Senate District) to enhance broadband access across the state.

Both Griffo and Smullen represent portions of St. Lawrence County in their districts.

Dubbed the “Regional Broadband Expansion and Access Program (RBEAP),” the assemblyman and senator believe the bill would help to decentralize the current "New NY Broadband" process.

The bill would also allow localities to work together and design regionally-based plans to ensure internet access to every citizen in their area, a press release from Smullen said.

“For too long, New York’s broadband infrastructure has failed to appropriately accommodate the needs of New Yorkers in rural areas. My bill will help serve those people in New York with zero internet access by giving them the freedom to design their infrastructure as needed,” Smullen said. “With the COVID-19 pandemic hitting us, we truly became a ‘remote world,’ with work, school, telehealth and more dominating our means of business and communication. To support this ever-advancing technological leap, we need to recognize as a state that reliable broadband is becoming a necessity, not a luxury.”

“While our communities become more interconnected and dependent upon technology, many New Yorkers, especially those in more rural areas of the state, face significant challenges due to inefficient or nonexistent Internet access,” Griffo said. “This legislation would allow local governments, who know their communities best and understand the needs of residents, to design regional plans instead of relying on Albany-based state agencies to decide what may or may not be in their best interests. Reliable internet is a necessity, and New Yorkers, families and businesses need access now.”

“The strength of the bill really lies in its ability to empower localities to coordinate with broadband companies on a level playing field. I look forward to passing this bill and helping the local townships  secure the best broadband for their areas,” Smullen said.