CWA Helps Low-Income New Yorkers Get Connected

On October 30th volunteers from CWA Locals 1104 and 1109 teamed up with Microsoft, Verizon, the New York Housing Authority Tennent's Association, to host a huge event for free internet at Howard Houses in Brooklyn, NY. The event was part of CWA's national "Get Connected" initiative to boost enrollment in the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). Roughly one third of New Yorkers lack regular internet access, and CWAers have been working hard through legislative and volunteer initiatives to close this connectivity gap.

CWA and Microsoft partnered with the NYCHA Howard Houses Tenants Association to spread the word about the event and the opportunity for low-income residents to get online, at little to no cost, via the ACP.

“CWA members have a longstanding commitment to making sure that every household in America has reliable high-speed internet service, and we have been strong advocates for the Affordable Connectivity Program,” said CWA District 1 Vice President Dennis Trainor. “Broadband has become the electricity of the 21st century, essential for many jobs, to ensure children can do their homework, to receive medical care, and to stay connected to friends and family. Microsoft shares this commitment with our union, and we were excited to be able to bring this program to New York’s public housing residents together.”

The Halloween-themed event was attended by elected officials including New York City Comptroller Brad Lander, State Senator Zellnor Myrie, Assemblymember Latrice Walker, and Councilmember Julie Menin.

“Many of our members helped build the high-speed networks that New Yorkers use today,” said CWA Local 1109 President Tony Spina. “We believe high-speed broadband should not be beyond the reach of anyone because of affordability, and that’s why CWA has been dedicated to spreading awareness about the country’s ACP program to help get more people online.”
 

CWAers guided residents through the registration process and Internet Service Providers that offer no-cost, high speed broadband plans to ACP enrollees were also available so that qualifying residents could sign up for service on-site.

The partnership between CWA and Microsoft builds on a groundbreaking labor neutrality agreement announced in June, which includes a commitment to collaborate on technology adoption and skill building programs.

Councilmember Julie Menin, State Senator Zellnor Myrie, Assemblymember Latrice Walker, NYC Comptroller Brad Lander and a representative from Congressman Hakeem Jeffries' office joined volunteers from Microsoft and CWA, including CWA District 1 Broadband Brigade Lead Nick Hoh and Hae-Lin Choi, CWA District 1 Political Director, to help Howard Houses residents in Brooklyn enroll in the Affordable Connectivity Program and sign up for services from Verizon.