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CITY OF ALBANY N E W Y O R K A L B A N Y C O M M O N C O U N C I L www.albanyny.gov January 11, 2021 Hon. Andrew Cuomo, Governor Executive Chamber - State Capitol Albany, NY 12224 Re: A.6679-C (Ryan)/S.8805 (Metzger); Public Service Commission review broadband and fiber optic services within NYS Dear Governor Cuomo: We are writing as the elected members of the Albany Common Council in support of the above referenced legislation related to the availability of broadband and fiber optic services within New York State, which has passed both houses of the legislature and is currently pending before you. Availability and access to reliable internet services is a pressing issue for many areas of our state, as well as within neighborhoods in the City of Albany, including those bordering the Executive Mansion. Issues related to the COVID-19 pandemic, including remote learning and the need to work from home, have further exposed the gaps and digital divide in broadband access which most often impacts urban low-income and rural areas. This bill would require the Public Service Commission to review available technology in order to find delivery solutions to underserved or unserved areas and publish a detailed internet access map of the state. This measure is a crucial part of efforts to foster broadband expansion since the data that would be collected is not otherwise available. It would be an important tool in fostering economic development, enhancing education, tele-health and so many other areas important to building thriving and strong communities. The current pandemic has exposed the critical need on how vital access to high-speed internet is and the importance of acting in a timely manner. This bill is an important part of the process in addressing these issues. For the foregoing reasons, we strongly urge your support for the above refenced bill and that it be signed into law. Hon. Richard Conti Council Member, Ward 6 Hon. Owusu Anane Council Member, Ward 10 Hon. Corey Ellis President Hon. Kelly Kimbrough President Pro Tempore, Ward 4 Hon. Ginnie Farrell Majority Leader, Ward 13 Hon. Sonia Frederick Council Member, Ward 1 Hon. Derek Johnson Council Member, Ward 2 Hon. Joyce Love Council Member, Ward 3 Hon. Jahmel Robinson Council Member, Ward 5 Hon. Catherine M. Fahey Council Member, Ward 7 Hon. Jack Council Member, Ward 8 Hon. Judy Doesschate Council Member, Ward 9 Hon. Alfredo Balarin Council Member, Ward 11 Hon. Michael O’Brien Council Member, Ward 12 Hon. Joseph Igoe Council Member, Ward 14 Hon. Tom Hoey Council Member, Ward 15 Room 202, City Hall Albany, New York 12207 Telephone (518) 434-5087 Fax: (518) 434-5081 ---PAGE BREAK---