Schoharie County, NY (February 17, 2022) –The New York Department of Public Service has recently launched New York’s most robust broadband mapping survey encouraging every Schoharie County household to participate. SEEC (Schoharie Economic Enterprise Corporation) and Schoharie County will use the results to advocate for funding necessary to expand and improve broadband services in our communities.

In 2022, SEEC already started work to close the digital divide as essential to economic development. The successful launch of the Digital Marketing Grants for businesses late last year garnered dozens of applications, confirming there is a clear need for improved digital infrastructure and a desire to move toward a 21st-century economy.

Also made possible through CARES Act funding in collaboration with Schoharie County, a community accessibility effort is underway. SEEC and the County have proposed the installation of Wi-Fi in downtown Schoharie. The Wi-Fi for village residents will strengthen access where gaps exist, ideally, providing a boost to commerce, learning and healthy socialization.A formal solicitation of Wi-Fi installers will be initiated in March.

SEEC hopes to keep this momentum going by supporting the data collection efforts of the State.“We need each household to complete the survey as soon as possible to help Schoharie County make the most of the survey results and potential grants that will surely follow,” remarked Julie Pacatte, executive director, SEEC.

The goal of the State’s survey is to gather data about access, speed, and affordability of broadband across New York. The survey takes between five and seven minutes and your household information will remain confidential.

To complete the survey and speed test, please visit www.schohariebroadband.com. If you are unable to access the internet from your home, please call 1-855-NYBBMAP (1-855-692-2627) to receive a paper copy in the mail. The survey will end on March 18, 2022.

If you have questions or have difficulties completing the survey, please contact broadbandsurvey@dps.ny.gov. If you have any questions about digital initiatives in Schoharie County, please contact SEEC at admin@seecny.org or (518) 517-1700.