Digital Connectivity

The WCA mobilizes digital technology stakeholders and advances efforts to modernize Westchester's digital infrastructure and bridge the digital divide.

Responding to
Emerging Needs

Amidst the pandemic, businesses of all sizes struggled, and the level of unemployment in Westchester became a critical challenge. Businesses are still grappling to fill jobs. Increasing access to the digital world is necessary to keep our region thriving economically.

Advocating and
Mobilizing to Bridge the Divide

By advocating for a clear, consistent broadband and wireless infrastructure policy, mobilizing digital technology stakeholders, and forging strategic partnerships, the WCA is advancing efforts to modernize Westchester’s digital infrastructure and help bridge the digital divide.

Digital connectivity brings concrete results to communities.

Advocacy for a Clear, Consistent Broadband Infrastructure and Digital Connectivity Policy

The WCA is advocating for: the development of a municipal list of do’s and don’ts and municipal codes for the region in cable franchising, fiber and small cell use of public rights of way, federal and state legislation and programs that provide predictable and standardized approaches to the deployment of 5G and broadband infrastructure and that also maintain the current light touch approach to regulation of broadband and wireless service, and support for proposed federal recovery and infrastructure legislation that includes funding for non-rural areas including the Hudson Valley.

By partnering with national trade associations like WIA (Wireless Infrastructure Association), CTIA (Cellular Telecommunications Industry Association), and state associations and groups like NYSWA (New York State Wireless Association) and NYers for 5G, we can amplify efforts to build support for local 5G and broadband infrastructure projects.

Digital Technologies Stakeholder Group

By bringing together key stakeholders, organizing content, and initiating new collaborations across sectors where digital connectivity and innovation are a major post-pandemic focus — including colleges and universities, healthcare, real estate and commercial offices, transportation and smart city applications — the WCA is the premier venue and clearinghouse for high level education and networking in this area.

Strategic Partnerships

In addition to working with its telecom and technology business members to advance these initiatives, the WCA has built a substantial network of collaborative partners in the region and beyond, including numerous organizations like the STEM Alliance, which recently launched its “Digital Equity Now” Initiative, Nonprofit Westchester, Westchester Library System, and the Federal Reserve Bank of New York.

Connect Westchester

Connect Westchester is a nationally recognized, county-wide, economic development program establishing a Digital Navigator Corps to provide digital equity and inclusion services to those in need. With a grant from Westchester County, the WCA, in partnership with the STEM Alliance, created Connect Westchester to help communities participate in the new economy. WCA studies show that people with digital skills are much more likely to utilize telehealth, gain financial literacy, and receive education and job skills training. Click here to learn more.