Appalachia Digital Accelerator
Southern Tier 8 Regional Board
Otsego and Chenango counties face significant broadband gaps and urgently seek to improve digital infrastructure to boost economic development, education, and access to emergency services. Local Development District, Southern Tier 8 Regional Board, in collaboration with local leaders, has developed a Connectivity Plan to support their goals.
Jen Gregory, Executive Director of Southern Tier 8 Regional Board
Southern Tier 8 Regional Board has developed a plan for an open-access middle-mile network that would enhance network resiliency, encourage competition among broadband providers, and enable local ISPs to extend high-speed broadband to unserved communities. This plan presents several middle-mile expansion opportunities that can be pursued together or in stages, with costs ranging from $3.7 million to $7.8 million.
The Local Development District, Southern Tier 8 Regional Board is thrilled to be engaged with the national expertise of Connect Humanity and RISI, who bring thoughtful strategies and innovative solutions for the County Planning Departments and Southern Tier’s last mile residents! Thank you!
is the estimated cost to connect all NY residents, far short of the $644m awarded to the state in BEAD
the estimated monthly cost reduction for home-owners when Open-Access Middle Mile builds are deployed
Southern Tier 8 is Located in the 2023 Federally Designated New Energy New York Tech Hub
Southern Tier Network increases services & reduces long-term costs for municipalities and school districts
Broadband Improvement Program
Discover how Southern Tier 8 is helping communities assess connectivity gaps, build capacity, and align resources to expand broadband access.
Get Involved
Connect with Southern Tier 8 to learn more about their efforts to expand broadband and digital opportunity.
A project in partnership with the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC), which contributed $6.3 million (80% of the total project cost).
