Rep. Ritchie Torres, Mayor Zohran Mamdani, NYC Housing Preservation and Development, and The New York Public Library Announce $2 Million Federal Investment to Expand Broadband Access in the Bronx

BRONX, NY – RealEstateRama – Congressman Ritchie Torres (NY-15), alongside New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, NYC Housing Preservation and Development Commissioner Dina Levy, New York Public Library President and CEO Anthony W. Marx, and local tenants at 355 East 165th Street in the South Bronx, announced $2,000,000 in federal Community Project Funding secured by Rep. Torres to expand broadband connectivity for low-income Bronx residents and help close the digital divide.

“The digital divide is not abstract, it is a daily barrier for so many families in the South Bronx,” said Rep. Torres. “In 2026, being offline means being locked out of opportunity. This $2 million investment will bring high-speed internet into thousands of apartments, because in today’s economy, you cannot fully participate without being connected. I’m grateful to the Mayor, HPD, and the New York Public Library for partnering with us to deliver this critical investment to the Bronx.”

“Internet access allows New Yorkers to access jobs, find no-cost child care and explore the city they love,” said Mayor Mamdani. “But for too many, broadband connection is either unreliable or unattainable. With this $2 million investment in the Neighborhood Internet program for New Yorkers in affordable housing, this administration is taking a major step towards closing the digital gap and building a city that is connected in more ways than one.”

“When affordable housing gets built in the city, residents should be connected to the internet,” said Department of Housing Preservation and Development Commissioner Dina Levy. “Forty percent of households in the Bronx do not have home internet access. The Neighborhood Internet initiative will help bridge the digital divide, providing low-income tenants in the Bronx with free access to the internet. Thank you to Congressman Torres for securing the federal funding that makes this possible, and to NYPL for their partnership in expanding internet access across the city. Under Mayor Mamdani, we’re making sure affordable housing tenants are first to get connected.”

“New Yorkers across the five boroughs deserve the same access to affordable internet regardless of their zip code,” said New York City Chief Technology Officer and Office of Technology and Innovation Commissioner Lisa Gelobter. “Today’s announcement is about more than free internet — it’s about connecting thousands of historically underserved Bronx residents to greater economic, educational and social opportunities. We’re proud to join Rep. Torres, HPD, and The New York Public Library to celebrate the expansion of the Neighborhood Internet program, a key initiative of the NYC Digital Equity Roadmap, and look forward to working closely with the public and our various stakeholders as we develop the ‘Citywide Broadband Adoption Plan’ in the coming months.”

“The New York Public Library is laser focused on promoting reading and free access to digital information,” said President Marx. “From applying for jobs, to staying connected to loved ones, finding a family doctor, and so much more, the internet is essential to fully participating in society. The Library is committed to closing the digital divide and we are proud to help the City of New York deliver free wifi into the homes of New Yorkers in need.”

Rep. Torressecured $2,000,000 in Fiscal Year 2026 Community Project Funding, part of more than $18 million across 16 projects he secured for the Bronx this year, to support HPD’s Neighborhood Internet initiative. The funding will bring high-speed broadband to low-income residents across the South Bronx over two years, covering microtrenching, rooftop network equipment installation, dedicated internet access infrastructure, and in-unit connectivity for more than 2,000 units across dozens of buildings. The New York Public Library is a key implementation partner.

Other major FY26 investments include $5,000,000 for capital upgrades at the Patterson Houses, $3,150,000 to replace aging water and waste pipes at Concourse Village, and $1,700,000 to modernize fire safety systems at Gun Hill Houses and Parkside Houses.

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