KINGSTON – Ulster County has submitted a bulk challenge to the Federal Communications Commission Broadband map. The challenge, led by the Comptroller’s Citizens Commission for Digital Inclusion, identified 435 lack of service challenges and 165 missing location challenges. Thirteen towns in the county have some areas that still lack access to cable fiber broadband.
In addition to preparing cable fiber broadband mapping that supported the bulk challenge, the county commission also provided consultation with town supervisors and one-on-one support for 32 individual FCC broadband challenges.
Of the 32 individual challenges, none had wired service, 27 had satellite service through HughesNet, and five used hot spots.
The Ulster County Citizens Commission for Digital Inclusion is also pleased to announce the election of Jenny Lee as Chair. Her unfailing dedication has aided the Commission in facilitating constituents’ challenges against the FCC’s broadband map, and her committed assistance in the research and development of best practices, mapping, have furthered the Commission’s goals towards bridging the broadband divide in Ulster County. Chair Lee represents her Denning community, where she is also a volunteer firefighter. She is an accomplished sculptor and professor at Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, and has worked as a researcher, designer, and fabricator in diverse work settings.
“Working with Ulster County’s Geographic Information System team the commission was able to ensure that federal maps identify our local needs,” said County Comptroller March Gallagher.
“High-speed internet service is not a luxury in today’s world – it is essential to accessing educational and job opportunities, healthcare, and other vital needs – and my administration is committed to working with the County Comptroller’s Citizens Commission to expand connectivity and close the gaps,” said County Executive Jen Metzger.
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