Orleans County Broadband Breakthrough
Client: Orleans County Broadband
Project: Complete Wireless Broadband coverage for County
Amount Raised: $11,562,698
Source: New York State, Empire State Development — Connect All Deployment Program
In 2024, Upper Edge Consulting worked with the County of Niagara, the United Way of Orleans and a wireless service provider to secure $11 million in funding for broadband access for this small, rural community.
The County of Orleans is one of the smallest counties in NY so there are obstacles to ensuring all residents have access to broadband such as cost and adoption of new technology. Bringing cables to every house in a rural community is extremely cost prohibitive and some residents were wary of the new technology and the process involved with implementing it.
The County and RTO Wireless suggested using wireless cell towers to ensure complete coverage. So, Upper Edge got to work finding funding and worked with New York State to submit the application to the Connect All program. The State requested numerous clarifications and updates to the application before it was awarded and the Upper Edge team guided the County of Niagara through the entire process from start to finish.
The United Way will receive pass-through funds to help individuals become acquainted with, and feel comfortable adopting this new technology to help reduce isolation and increase access to family, friends, and resources.
UEC is proud to be a part of this win for this small rural community!