NYC is asking businesses to apply for high-speed broadband at their location. Winners receive free fiber build-out to their business, an overall value of up to $7M for all winning businesses.

23 days until winners announced (view all dates)

Many of the businesses driving growth in the 21st century require access to reliable, high-speed broadband. Through ConnectNYC, New York City and leading Internet Service Providers (ISPs) are investing in the city’s future as a leader in connectivity and technology. Small and medium-sized commercial and industrial businesses across the five boroughs are invited to apply for free fiber wiring. 

Applicants demonstrating the highest potential impact of fiber connectivity – on their own business, nearby businesses, and underserved areas – will become finalists. Finalists will have a chance to win a free build-out of fiber internet connectivity to their place of business. 

Applicants who are selected as finalists will be required to obtain a signed landlord agreement providing ISPs with access to the building before they can be deemed a winner. We encourage you to begin reaching out to your landlord early to ensure that the form can be completed in the allotted time. If selected a winner, contestants will be required to sign a one-year service contract with a participating ISP at negotiated market rates before they are eligible to receive a free fiber build-out.

Winning applicants will receive a free fiber build-out to their location of business, identified as one of the biggest hurdles to getting businesses connected to broadband internet. The average cost of a build-out is approximately $50,000 per business and varies depending on the business’ location.

The total funds will equal $12 Million over a two year period, with up to $7 million distributed this year. A minimum of 25% of the funds will be granted to businesses located in Industrial Business Zones. The number of awards will be determined by the aggregate estimated cost of the highest scoring submissions up to the award amount for each category. Categories include: Cablevision Award, Cablevision IBZ Award, Time Warner Cable Business Class Award, and Time Warner Cable Business Class IBZ Award.

(A one-year ISP Broadband service contract and landlord approval are required).

1. Create an account or log in with an existing ChallengePost account.
2. On NYCFiberChallenge.com click "Accept this challenge" to register your interest in participating. This step ensures that you will receive important updates.
3. Complete all of the required fields on the submission form, including the following information:
   1. the name and description of your business
   2. the business address in New York City for which you are applying for fiber wiring;
   3. your industry sector, a description of your business activity at the location you are applying for, and a description of job functions at the location;
   4. Total number of employees at your business; total employees at the location you are applying for;
   5. Current internet connectivity type, if any, at the location you are applying for;
   6. Anticipated Upload and Download speeds of internet service required for business activities; and
   7. a description of how fiber connectivity could increase jobs and productivity in your business at the location for which you are applying.
4. Confirm that (a) you have read and agree to the Official Rules, and (b) you understand that if selected as a finalist you will be required to provide a signed letter of agreement from your landlord to cooperate, and provide building access to an ISP, and (c) you understand that if selected as a potential winner, you will be required to enter into a one-year broadband service contract with a participating Internet Service Provider at negotiated market rates in order to receive a free fiber build-out.
5. Submit your application online by completing all required submission form fields. You are encouraged, but not required to upload a PDF file of the hand signed and scanned landlord letter of agreement with your submission.