Matthew Fraser, the city’s chief technology officer, joined “In Focus” to discuss Big Apple Connect. It’s the nation’s newest, largest, free municipal broadband program for NYCHA residents and the most significant investment for the 21st century in modernizing the authority’s broadband.

Spectrum is a part of the program which provides free in-home, high-speed internet and cable to over 100 NYCHA developments across the five boroughs. Roughly 30% to 40% of NYCHA residents lack broadband.

Fraser explained how something as simple as providing free accessible Wi-Fi can change the life of a New Yorker. Lower-income communities, immigrant communities and communities of color have often been left behind with accessing the critical digital tools they need.

He also talked about how this program is building a more fair New York, how it’s addressing the digital divide and how it’s mending disparities in broadband. The program will increase to over 200 developments by the end of 2023 — benefiting over 300,000 New Yorkers.

Fraser explained how the pandemic amplified the city’s need for digital connectivity and how Wi-Fi has gone from a luxury to a necessary utility over the years.