Orleans County Legislature Chairman Lynne Johnson today announced that the county has successfully extended the term of a New York State grant that helps low-to-moderate income residents acquire residential broadband equipment and services.  The effort is run through Connect Orleans, a collaborative of Orleans County, the United Way of Orleans County, Orleans Digital Literacy Initiative and Ambient Broadband.

According to Johnson, qualified residents in the towns of Albion, Gaines and Shelby, as well as the villages of Albion, Holley and Medina, have until February 15 to sign-up and take advantage of a subsidy that could cover the full cost of broadband equipment and the installation of broadband service at their home.

“The Orleans County Legislature has long been focused on getting the infrastructure in place to extend access to cost-effective broadband across our county and we have been making tremendous steps in doing so,” said Johnson.  “With our partners in Connect Orleans, we want to spread the word about funds that could get you hooked up at no charge as well as educational opportunities on the use of technology.”

Residents are encouraged to visit www.connectorleans.net to learn more about the program as well as available broadband service packages.  Interested residents who complete the contact form on the website will be contacted by a member of the Connect Orleans team to confirm service availability as well as applicant eligibility for the subsidy program.  Residents can also call Connect Orleans at (585) 493-6014.

When combined with the separate federal Affordable Connectivity Program, qualified residents may be able to receive high-speed broadband at their homes for as low as $0 for equipment and installation as well as $0 for monthly service.

“Even those who do not qualify can still choose from very affordable monthly packages for high-speed, reliable internet service so I encourage people to visit the website and learn more,” said Johnson.