September 22nd, 2025
Qualified City of Rochester households currently eligible for two free months of high-speed internet and ongoing service for just $30/month fee with free installation
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Monroe County Executive Adam Bello today announced a new partnership with Community Broadband Networks (CBN) to expand affordable, reliable high-speed internet access to underserved neighborhoods in the City of Rochester. This initiative, funded by a $4.2 million investment from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), will help close the digital divide and connect more residents to essential online resources.
“Access to high-speed internet is a necessity for education, employment, healthcare, and everyday life,” said County Executive Bello. “This investment ensures that more Rochester residents and small business owners have the opportunity to access affordable, reliable broadband services.”
“High-speed internet is no longer a luxury—it’s a necessity, and every family deserves a connection,” said Congressman Joe Morelle. “Today’s investment ensures that regardless of zip code or income, families across Monroe County will have access to the opportunities that come with being connected. I’m grateful to County Executive Bello for his continued leadership and utilization of federal dollars to build a better, brighter future for Rochester.”
“In today’s world, high-speed internet is as vital as roads and bridges – it connects kids to their schoolwork, patients to their doctors, and small businesses to customers around the globe,” said U.S. Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer. “That’s why I fought to deliver the American Rescue Plan, because I knew it would bring real results like this $4.2 million investment to Rochester and over $600 million from the infrastructure law for communities that do not have internet access. Now, thanks to these federal dollars, thousands more Rochester families will get the reliable, affordable internet they deserve. I commend County Executive Bello and Community Broadband Networks for turning federal funds into real progress that closes the digital divide and helps power Rochester’s future.”
“Closing the digital divide is paramount to ensure that no community struggles with access to health care, education, or the connections that bring us together. I’ve long fought to secure resources in the Senate to address broadband infrastructure needs, and I commend Monroe County and the City of Rochester for this partnership that will help affordable internet connectivity reach the Rochester residents that need it most. I was proud to secure this funding through the American Rescue Plan Act, and I will work to ensure that all New York communities have the resources they need to thrive,” said U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand
“The end of the federal Affordable Connectivity Program left many Rochester families and small businesses disconnected from the internet they need to succeed,” said Legislature President Yversha Román. “With this investment, we are restoring affordable, reliable internet access to more than 26,000 city residents and small businesses in our most vulnerable neighborhoods. Access to broadband is not a luxury, it is essential for education, healthcare, socialization, and economic opportunity.”
“It becomes more and more evident we must bridge the digital divide existing in our County and particularly the City of Rochester,” said Legislature Majority Leader Michael Yudelson. “Access to reliable, high-speed internet is no longer a luxury, but a necessity and we must ensure our families, seniors, and children are able to connect with the resources they need when they need them.
“Too many families in our community have been left behind because they can’t afford reliable internet access,” said Legislator Paul Dondorfer. “By expanding affordable high- speed broadband into underserved neighborhoods, we are giving students, parents, and seniors the tools they need to succeed in today’s world. Reliable connectivity also bolsters public safety, ensuring first responders and residents alike can access the critical information and resources they need when it matters most.”
The program has and continues to fund CBN’s buildout of a Fixed Wireless/Fiber Optic network to provide 100% coverage in targeted City of Rochester communities.
This program covers business locations and eligible households located in the following zip codes:
- 14604
- 14605
- 14608
- 14611
- 14613
- 14614
- 14621
Eligible households will have the opportunity receive:
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At least a 100 megabyte per second (MPS) speed package
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Currently offering first two-months of service free upfront. Ongoing service for just $30 per month for five years.
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Free in-home installation and Wi-Fi router provided by CBN
Eligible households can quality for this program if they meet at least one of the following criteria:
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Residents that qualify as low-income based on federal or local guidelines
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Residents enrolled in a Temporary Assistance and/or SNAP benefits
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Residents that have children enrolled in Head Start and/or Early Head Start
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Residents that have children enrolled in the National School Lunch Program (NLSP) and/or School Breakfast Program (SBP)
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Residents enrolled in the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program (WIC)
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Residents enrolled in a Section 8 housing voucher program
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Residents enrolled in Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
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Residents enrolled in a Pell Grant program for college
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Residents that receive Supplemental Security Income
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Residents that received Medicare Part D Low-Income Subsidies
“At Community Broadband Networks, we’re proud to partner with Monroe County and the City of Rochester to expand affordable broadband and bring reliable, high-speed Internet to neighbors who remain underserved or unserved. We believe Internet access is a necessity in the world we live in today—and together we’re making sure every household and business has the opportunity to learn, work, and thrive,” said Steve Richards, CEO of Community Broadband Networks, Rochester.
CBN will provide free home installs and WIFI routers for all who qualify and sign up for the program.
For more information, visit cbn-america.com/cbn-roc/ or call (585) 326-5000.
