Hochul Grasps NY Broadband Challenge, Says Crown Castle Policy Official

Incoming New York Gov. Kathy Hochul (D) understands the state’s broadband challenges, including through her experience as chair of the Regional Economic Development Councils, emailed Ana Rua, who heads Crown Castle government affairs-New York city and state. Hochul “has publicly acknowledged that online access is a necessity, not a luxury -- a fact that has only grown more significant over the past year,” said Rua, previously broadband director at New York Empire State Development. New York state observers said the sudden gubernatorial transition could affect how the state spends federal broadband dollars (see 2108110037).