Digital Equity Champion. Torres is directly addressing the digital divide by securing federal dollars for families who can't afford reliable internet access in today's economy.
25D AGOUSU.S. REPRESENTATIVE RITCHIE TORRESINFRASTRUCTURE
Torres Secures $2M Federal Funding for Bronx Broadband Expansion
What's the gist?
Rep. Ritchie Torres secured $2 million in federal funding to expand free high-speed internet access to thousands of low-income households in The Bronx and Upper Manhattan through the Neighborhood Internet program.
Context
The Bronx has some of the lowest broadband adoption rates in NYC, with roughly one in three households lacking computers and over 113,000 relying solely on smartphones for internet access.
Positive takes
Economic Opportunity Creator. The funding will help thousands of residents access jobs, childcare resources, and educational opportunities that require stable internet connections.
Smart Federal Investment. Torres leveraged his congressional position to bring $2 million in Community Project Funding directly back to his district's most underserved communities.
Negative takes
Small Scale Solution. Critics might argue $2 million only reaches a few thousand households when over 113,000 Bronx families lack proper internet access.
Government Dependency Approach. Some view free internet programs as creating reliance on government services rather than fostering market-based solutions to broadband access.
Implementation Questions. Skeptics may wonder whether the city and library partnership can effectively manage and maintain this expanded network infrastructure long-term.
— by VoiceWhat's Voice? Read this.
News sources
- 01
Marina Samuel · amNY · May 4, 2026
- 02
Politico Staff · Politico · May 4, 2026
- 03
Mirage News Staff · Mirage News · May 4, 2026
Social takes
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@m_rausche1 · Twitter · Positive take