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Syracuse Continues to Struggle with Access Inequalities City Struggles with Access Inequalities

By Justin Wilson

© 2023 Justin Wilson

Reporter Justin Wilson: Syracuse is facing challenges with the accessibility of affordable high-speed internet.

Justin: Smart City Manager, Vincent Scipione says the use of technology can change the lives of Syracuse residents.

Smart City Manager Vincent Scipione: my goal for my career has been to leverage technology to enhance our everyday lives, right? We’re in regardless of the role that I was in, and stepping into this role has just been able to allow me to do that in a very real manner in my community.

Justin: More than 25 percent of Syracuse households lack any internet.

Justin: Scipione and city government are moving forward with an initiative called the Community Broadband Program.

Vincent: we’re in its pilot phase, the community Broadband Program, the last three years, we’re serving 10 census tracts of the near western South Side. And within those census tracts, we, our goal is to serve 2500 households.

Justin: Scipione says that the program will launch later this year. I’m Justin Wilson with NCC News.

SYRACUSE, N.Y. (NCC News) – Underserved communities in Syracuse are being granted access to affordable, high-speed internet.

According to data from the 2019 U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey, more than 25% of Syracuse households lack any internet access, and one-third of Syracuse City School District students lack high-speed internet at home.

Syracuse Mayor Ben Walsh is bringing in new personnel and new programs to help manage how these communities receive quality internet.

Walsh has appointed Vincent Scipione as Syracuse’s smart city manager.

As smart city manager, Scipione will play a big part in Syracuse’s surge strategy. The strategy promotes inclusive growth in new industries, including biotechnology and the internet.

Scipione and city government are moving forward with an initiative called the Community Broadband Program.

“We’re in its pilot phase, the Community Broadband Program will last three years, we’re serving 10 census tracts of the near western South Side. And within those census tracts, our goal is to serve 2500 households,” Scipione said.

Scipione says the Community Broadband Program will provide quality internet access to those that need it. The program will launch later this year.

 

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