NewsLocal News

Actions

Bridging the rural broadband gap in Western New York

Posted at 1:15 PM, Jul 01, 2020
and last updated 2020-07-01 13:15:36-04

NIAGARA COUNTY, N.Y. (WKBW) — A new collaboration is underway, aiming to bridge the rural broadband gap in parts of Niagara and Orleans counties.

On Wednesday, details were announced on the project to help increase internet access through the deployment of public Wi-Fi hotspots for dozens of rural towns in these counties.

“Working with RTO Wireless, our goal is to have high-speed, reliable, and affordable broadband available to every home and business across our two counties, and we won’t stop until we achieve that goal,” says Lynne Johnson, co-chair of the Niagara-Orleans Regional Alliance (NORA).“But today with record numbers of people working from home, and our children trying to advance their education, RTO and Microsoft have “stepped to the plate” to immediately help provide the internet service that is so desperately needed in times of crisis. A simple “Thank You” can hardly express our gratitude for the commitment they have made.”

Host Sites Being Offered Public Hot Spots:
Orleans County:

  • Albion
  • Barre
  • Carlton
  • Clarendon
  • Gaines
  • Kendall
  • Murray
  • Shelby
  • Yates
  • Village of Albion
  • Village of Holley
  • Village of Medina

Niagara County:

  • Middleport
  • Wheatfield
  • Wilson
  • Porter