KINGSTON, NY – Senator Michelle Hinchey, a member of the Energy and Telecommunications Committee in the New York State Senate, toured Archtop Fiber’s Kingston headquarters at iPark 87 to discuss the company’s efforts to bridge the digital divide in rural and upstate communities across the Hudson Valley.
Senator Michelle Hinchey said, “High-speed internet is a necessity, and it’s our collective responsibility, from the state to local governments and internet service providers, to bring this service to upstate communities that have been left behind for far too long. Archtop Fiber’s investment in the Hudson Valley, as the first tenant at iPark 87, is a huge step forward in expanding reliable broadband to historically underserved areas and is an immediate investment in improving the quality of life for people who live and do business in our region. I’ll continue to do everything I can to help at the state level so that fast and reliable broadband becomes a reality for all of our Hudson Valley communities.”
“We are honored to welcome Senator Hinchey to our headquarters,” said Jeff DeMond, Chairman and CEO of Archtop Fiber. “This visit has been an incredible opportunity to share our mission and our significant progress in expanding our all-fiber network throughout the state. We appreciate the Senator taking the time to experience firsthand what we’re building and how it benefits our communities today and well into the future.”
During her visit, Senator Hinchey met with Archtop Fiber leadership about the company’s ongoing efforts to expand broadband connectivity to underserved Hudson Valley communities. Archtop recently began construction in Woodstock and has launched service in Kingston, Saugerties, Rhinebeck, and Warwick. Senator Hinchey also received a tour of Archtop’s headquarters, located at iPark87, the former IBM manufacturing facility, now transformed into a vibrant mixed-use technology campus. Senator Hinchey was joined by Archtop Fiber’s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Jeff DeMond, Chief Development Officer, Shawn Beqaj, and Chief Customer Officer, Diane Quennoz.
Closing the broadband gap in rural and upstate communities is a top priority for Senator Hinchey, who has sponsored legislation to remove cost and efficiency barriers for small broadband providers working to expand service in unserved and underserved areas. Hinchey’s efforts resulted in a law that has helped streamline the contract process for broadband expansion projects, making it easier for small providers to roll out broadband services while ensuring that installation costs are fairly shared between service providers and utility pole owners. By removing these hurdles, Hinchey is helping to bring high-speed internet access to more rural and upstate communities, supporting local economies and connectivity across the Hudson Valley.
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