The plan was abandoned by the Eric Adams administration and has been a key pillar of Chair Gutiérrez’s tenure as Technology Chair at the City Council.

NEW YORK, NY (October 9, 2025) — Today, the New York City Council is set to pass a law to resurrect and implement the City’s Internet Master Plan (IMP), restoring a vision for equitable broadband infrastructure that had been abandoned in favor of short-term, piecemeal approaches.

Originally introduced under the previous administration, the Internet Master Plan laid out a comprehensive, four-phase strategy to build publicly owned, affordable, and future-proof internet infrastructure. Its abandonment by the Adams Administration left tens of thousands of New Yorkers disconnected, deepened the digital divide, and ceded long-term planning to private providers with limited accountability. To date, they have failed to provide a comprehensive plan, despite numerous statements on the record that they would. 

Today we correct yet another mistake of Mayor Eric Adams,’ said Council Member and Tech Chair Jennifer Gutiérrez. “The Internet Master Plan was globally recognized because it was bold, comprehensive, and community-driven. We lost four years when this administration abandoned it, leaving families disconnected and affordable programs sidelined. Today, we recommit to building public infrastructure, holding providers accountable, and ensuring every New Yorker has affordable, reliable internet. The internet is not a luxury — it’s the foundation.”

The legislation requires the City to:

  • Reinstate and update the Internet Master Plan, with clear timelines and milestones.
  • Prioritize community-driven infrastructure by supporting local and nonprofit providers alongside large-scale buildout, including leveraging existing infrastructure.
  • Ensure accountability by mandating reporting to the Council on progress, contracts, and service outcomes.
  • Plan for the future by integrating the IMP into broader resiliency and equity goals across housing, public space, and economic development.

Advocates hailed the passage as a long-overdue correction. Community-based internet providers, digital literacy organizations, and technology equity advocates have repeatedly testified that without the Internet Master Plan, New York risks falling further behind peer cities that are already investing in city-owned fiber and open-access models.

Community Tech New York (CTNY) highly supports the reinstatement of the Internet Master Plan and especially its inclusion to prioritize community-driven infrastructure by supporting local and nonprofit providers alongside large-scale buildout. We believe that building community networks builds community power and more engaged citizens!” said Monique Tate, Community Tech New York Co-Director.

“This legislation would go a long way in bridging the digital skills gap and addressing digital equity needs for low-income people throughout the state, disproportionately affecting older adults,” said AARP New York in a Statement of Support. 

“Internet access is now indisputably a basic necessity for education, employment, and civic participation in the U.S. Intro 1122 ensures that New York City develops a transparent plan to guarantee that all New Yorkers have access to reliable and affordable internet for all by bringing together the government, the private sector, and the community,” said Alex Spyropoulos, Director of Government Relations at Tech:NYC. “Tech:NYC looks forward to supporting the implementation of this plan and continuing to work in partnership with city leaders to ensure every New Yorker can benefit from the momentum, advantages, and opportunities that technology creates.”

“With the rapid advancement of technology, I want to see a New York that can handle the demand. Every day, people are asked to do more, achieve more, and rely on technology to get there — but too often they are left without the tools they need to keep up. I applaud Council Member Gutiérrez for championing legislation that provides universal, affordable, and equitable broadband internet access. Reviving the Internet Master Plan is the right step forward to make sure our infrastructure matches our ambition, and that every New Yorker has the chance to learn, work, and thrive in a connected city,” said Majority Leader Amanda Farías

“NYC DSA’s Tech Action Working Group is excited to support Council Member Gutiérrez’s Internet Master Plan revival bill. After funneling billions to large, private corporations and having them fail to bridge the digital divide, we need a plan that utilizes public infrastructure. NYC DSA Tech Action looks forward to ensuring the long overdue overhaul of this plan centers community needs and public ownership,” said DSA Tech Action.

“Reinstating the Internet Master Plan through Int. 1122-A is a major step toward ensuring every New Yorker has access to affordable, reliable broadband. Connectivity is not a luxury, it’s essential infrastructure for education, jobs, and equity. This bill puts the city back on the path to closing the digital divide once and for all,” said  Clayton Banks, CEO, Silicon Harlem


“The internet is no longer a simple luxury — internet access is essential for education, work, healthcare, for our ability to function and navigate essential services. For too long, low-income communities, immigrants, and working-class New Yorkers have been neglected by private providers that put profits ahead of people,” said Council Member Crystal Hudson. “Reviving the Internet Master Plan is about equity. Every New Yorker deserves access to affordable, reliable, and future-proof connectivity regardless of income.”

“In 2025, access to reliable, affordable internet should no longer be a privilege, it’s a necessity for every New Yorker, whether you’re a student learning from home, an older adult accessing telehealth, or a small business owner working to keep your doors open. Reviving the Internet Master Plan is the right thing to do. It means putting people first and ensuring that no neighborhood, especially those long left behind, remain disconnected from opportunity,” said Council Member Mercedes Narcisse.

“Mayor Adams’ failure to make progress on the city’s internet infrastructure has deepened inequities in an increasingly digital world,” said Council Member Sandy Nurse. “Today, the Council is moving forward because New Yorkers deserve publicly-owned, low-cost, reliable internet. I applaud Council Member Gutiérrez’s legislation to revamp the Internet Master Plan so we can close the widening digital divide.

“Every New Yorker needs access to reliable, high-quality internet. NYC’s Internet Master Plan will restore a comprehensive, public vision for affordable, citywide broadband access after years of piecemeal approaches. Council Member Gutierrez’s smart legislation will ensure that every New Yorker has the internet access we all need to get by,” said Council Member Lincoln Restler.

“Restoring the Internet Master Plan is a critical step to reclaim our city’s commitment to equitable, publicly accountable broadband for all New Yorkers. I thank Council Member  Gutiérrez for legislation that will put New York City back at the center of our digital future by prioritizing public infrastructure, transparency, and a clear, sustainable roadmap to universal internet access. Broadband is not a luxury but the gateway to education and participation in a fair and equitable society. It’s time to move forward with an internet plan that serves the needs and livelihoods of all New Yorkers.” said Council Member Menin.

“Access to reliable, affordable internet is a housing and equity issue,” said Rob Solano, Executive Director at Churches United for Fair Housing. “From applying for affordable housing lotteries to accessing critical social services, New Yorkers need broadband to survive and thrive. Reviving the Internet Master Plan means centering the communities most impacted by digital exclusion — ensuring immigrant, working-class, and low-income New Yorkers aren’t left offline while private corporations profit. We’re deeply grateful to Council Member Jennifer Gutiérrez for her leadership and to the entire City Council for standing up for a more connected, equitable New York.”

“Just as past generations built systems for clean water and electricity, this Internet Master Plan makes connectivity a public good—fast, fair, and universal,” said Noel Hidalgo, Executive Director of BetaNYC. “It’s the foundation for an equitable, connected future.”

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