Harlem NYCHA Complexes Get Free Internet, Cable Through City Program

HARLEM, NY — A trio of Harlem NYCHA complexes just received free internet and cable through an expansion of a new program from the city.

Mayor Eric Adams and Chief Technology Officer Matthew Fraser announced Tuesday the expansion of "Big Apple Connect" to 17 new public housing developments across the five boroughs.

Among those 17 new NYCHA developments with free internet and cable are three in Harlem.

“Access to broadband is not a nice-to-have; it’s a must-have to participate in a 21st-century society that bridges the digital divide,” Adams said in a news release. “With today’s expansion of our ‘Big Apple Connect’ program, we have rapidly connected almost every NYCHA resident across the city to broadband in less than a year, helping them unlock economic, educational, and social opportunities that will lead to more productive, connected lives."

The program provides a free bundle that consists of in-home, high-speed internet, a modem and a router, basic cable TV service, including a cable box and a remote control, and common area Wi-Fi hot spots.

The trio of Harlem developments are part of the latest expansion of the Big Apple Connect program that newly spans nine developments in Manhattan, seven in Brooklyn, and one in the Bronx — which means 30,000 city residents are getting free internet and cable for the first time.

The Big Apple Connect program first launched in September 2022, and now provides internet and cable to 220 NYCHA facilities.

“Digital equity is of the utmost importance,” said NYCHA CEO Lisa Bova-Hiatt, in a news release. “Internet access makes a world of difference, and today’s announcement of the expansion of ‘Big Apple Connect’ to 17 new NYCHA developments brings this critical tool into the homes of over 30,000 residents, undoubtedly changing their lives for the better."