ConnectALL Connectivity Innovation – Mobile Service Request for Applications

Funding innovative solutions to close wireless cellular coverage gaps

Overview

Snapshot
  • Eligibility
    • Municipalities, counties, regional planning boards, regional economic development organizations, Tribal governments, municipal utilities, internet service providers, mobile network operators, system integrators and/or equipment manufacturers, and businesses with an innovative use case for connectivity
  • Funding Amount
    • ConnectALL anticipates awarding a total of $5 million
  • Deadline for Applications
    • June 17, 2025, 11:59PM ET

 

ConnectALL is not currently accepting applications for the Connectivity Innovation - Mobile Service Request for Applications. 

 

Applications must be submitted through the New York State Consolidated Funding Application (CFA) Portal.

The Connectivity Innovation – Mobile Service Request for Applications (RFA) will identify new ways of expanding reliable cell phone service in New York State. The RFA is a key component of the Mobile Service Connectivity Initiative announced by Governor Hochul in her State of the State message. ConnectALL, through this RFA, will provide up to $5 million in total funding to deploy innovative, scalable solutions that can address gaps in wireless cellular coverage.

The Connectivity Innovation – Mobile Service RFA is part of the ConnectALL Connectivity Innovation Program. Read the Connectivity Innovation Program Guidelines for more information on the Program.

Read the Press Release

Awards

In September 2025, Empire State Development announced $5.2 million in mobile service grants awarded to four Grantees that will expand mobile service, close rural and urban coverage gaps, and create replicable models for future deployments across New York State:

  • Butternuts Neutral Host Mobile Tower Pilot Project (Otsego County) – $843,357: Deploys neutral-host equipment on a county owned tower to extend multi-operator service in a rural area with little to no coverage.
  • Lake George and Glens Falls Open Access Mobile Expansion (Warren County) – $1,996,408: Installs decentralized mobile broadband access via 139 community-owned nodes to improve connectivity during peak tourism seasons.
  • City of Schenectady Mobile Service Project (Schenectady County) – $1,627,430: Establishes city-wide open access Wi-Fi to reduce network strain, boost digital inclusion, and support over 4,000 low- and moderate-income residents.
  • Mill Neck Manor School for the Deaf Connectivity Project (Nassau County) – $731,192: Builds a multi-technology distributed antenna system to enhance accessibility and expand mobile coverage for students on campus.

Program Dates

April 11, 2025: Request for Applications (RFA) Issued, opening of the New York State Consolidated Funding Application (CFA) Portal

June 17, 2025: Application Deadline, 11:59PM ET, submitted through the New York State Consolidated Funding Application (CFA) Portal

Eligible Applicants

Eligible Applicants are:

  • Municipalities, counties, regional planning boards and/or regional economic development organizations
  • Tribal governments
  • Municipal utilities
  • Internet service providers
  • Mobile network operators, system integrators and/or equipment manufacturers
  • Businesses with an innovative use case for connectivity

Application Information

Contact Us

Please send your questions regarding the ConnectALL Connectivity Innovation Program – Mobile Service RFA to: [email protected]

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