By Dmytro Pokhylko, Director, and Virginia Maloney, Project Manager, Center for Economic Transformation

On December 27th, NYCEDC received over 100 submissions to the ConnectNYC Fiber Challenge, a program awarding small and medium-sized businesses and organizations with free build-out of fiber internet connectivity directly to their place of business. The applicants reflect New York City’s diverse suite of industries—with submissions ranging from manufacturing companies, co-working spaces, and incubators to arts and nonprofit organizations and technology companies. Furthermore, the call for fiber build-out rang from each of the five boroughs, highlighting the demand for fiber infrastructure expansion throughout the entire City.

An internal review committee evaluated each submission based on the potential impact of fiber connectivity on the applicant’s business, neighboring businesses, and underserved areas. The finalists were approved by a panel of City representatives including Ann Li, Managing Director, EVP at NYCEDC; Rachel Haot, NYC’s Chief Digital Officer; and Laurie Giddins, Senior Vice President at New York City Investment Fund. View the full review criteria on the program’s website: www.NYCfiberchallenge.com.

In the coming weeks, participating Internet Service Providers will contact the approved finalists to validate their eligibility for the program and to begin the fiber optic build-out directly to their offices. The winners will be announced this spring.

Interested in applying?
ConnectNYC is planning to launch a second phase in Q2 2013. Winners will receive free fiber broadband build-out, an estimated overall value of $50,000 per building. Stay tuned for more information about the application and how you can win!