UWS NYCHA Complex Gets Free Internet And Cable Through City Program

UPPER WEST SIDE, NY — An Upper West Side NYCHA complex just received free internet and cable through an expansion of a new program from the city.

Mayor Eric Adams and Chief Technology Officer Matthew Fraser announced Tuesday the expansion of "Big Apple Connect" to 17 new public housing developments across the five boroughs, including the De Hostos Apartments on 93rd Street between Broadway and Amsterdam.

“Access to broadband is not a nice-to-have; it’s a must-have to participate in a 21st-century society that bridges the digital divide,” Adams said in a news release. “With today’s expansion of our ‘Big Apple Connect’ program, we have rapidly connected almost every NYCHA resident across the city to broadband in less than a year, helping them unlock economic, educational, and social opportunities that will lead to more productive, connected lives."

The program provides a free bundle that consists of in-home, high-speed internet, a modem and a router, basic cable TV service, including a cable box and a remote control, and common area Wi-Fi hot spots.

The De Hostos Apartments are part of the latest expansion of the Big Apple Connect program that newly spans nine developments in Manhattan, seven in Brooklyn, and one in the Bronx — which means 30,000 city residents are getting free internet and cable for the first time.

In total, the internet and cable program now reaches 220 NYCHA facilities.

The Upper West Side's De Hostos Apartments are made up of four buildings: 201 W. 93rd St., 205 W. 93rd St., 690 Amsterdam Ave., and 696 Amsterdam Ave.

There are more than 220 apartments within the complex.

The Big Apple Connect program first launched in September 2022.

“Digital equity is of the utmost importance,” said NYCHA CEO Lisa Bova-Hiatt, in a news release. “Internet access makes a world of difference, and today’s announcement of the expansion of ‘Big Apple Connect’ to 17 new NYCHA developments brings this critical tool into the homes of over 30,000 residents, undoubtedly changing their lives for the better."