MADISON COUNTY, NY – October 14, 2026 – Madison County officials today announced a major milestone in the County’s effort to expand reliable, high-speed internet access throughout the community, the first customers are now connected to the County’s publicly owned and privately operated fiber broadband network, and additional areas are ready to begin receiving service.

Today marks a significant step forward in a project that has been years in the making. The announcement made in the Town of Sullivan comes almost exactly three years after the first hut that houses the network was placed in that exact same spot.  Construction of the nearly 389-mile fiber network is now nearing completion, with additional locations expected to become serviceable as final construction and activation work continues.  Currently the network between the Towns of Cazenovia, Sullivan, and Lenox is the first to be serviceable.

The network is being constructed by Madison County as a result of funds awarded through the USDA ReConnect Program and NYS ConnectALL. The service will be provided by Empire Fiber Internet. Once the buildout is complete, more than 3,600 homes, farms and businesses, many of which had little or no service, will have the opportunity to access reliable, high-speed fiber internet through the network.

“This is an exciting day for Madison County,” said Madison County Administrator Mark Scimone. “For years, we have talked about the importance of bringing reliable high-speed internet to residents and businesses that have not had access to the service they need. Today, we can say that it is happening. Customers are connected, additional areas are ready for service, and we are nearing the completion of a project that will have a lasting impact on our community.”

The project began with Madison County’s award of a $10.1 million USDA ReConnect grant in 2021, which is now $12.7 million, to help bring high-speed, reliable internet to 1,087 homes and businesses that were unserved. Construction officially began in November 2023.

For many residents, the expansion will also mean having a new choice in internet providers.

“Empire Fiber Internet is proud to be part of this important milestone for Madison County,” said Kevin Dickens, CEO of Empire Fiber Internet. “This project represents what can happen when a community makes connectivity a priority and partners with an experienced fiber provider. We are excited to see customers getting connected and to continue activating additional areas as the buildout reaches completion.”

Reliable broadband is increasingly essential for nearly every aspect of modern life, including remote work, education, telehealth, agriculture, small business operations and everyday communication. The County’s investment is intended to help ensure that residents and businesses are not left behind because of where they live or operate.

“This project is about much more than putting fiber in the ground,” Scimone said. “It is about opening doors. Reliable internet can help a student participate fully in their education, allow someone to work from home, help a farmer or small business operate more efficiently, and give families greater choices. I am proud of our team who have worked diligently and overcome obstacles to get us to this point.  We are looking forward to seeing the benefits of this investment throughout Madison County for years to come.”

The $31 million Madison County Connect Project is funded and supported through the USDA Rural Development ReConnect Program, the New York State ConnectALL Municipal Infrastructure Program, Empire Fiber Internet and Madison County.  In addition to the funded areas, Empire Fiber Internet is also expanding service beyond the funded footprint. This includes addresses in Cazenovia, Chittenango and Canastota that fall along the County’s backbone, as well as select neighborhoods within those communities.

Construction and activation work will continue as the remaining portions of the network are completed. Residents and businesses are encouraged to check their address as service becomes available and to follow Madison County updates for information about additional service areas.  Construction is expected to be completed by early 2027.

The project represents a significant investment in Madison County’s future and brings the community closer to a goal that began years ago: ensuring that being in a rural community is no longer a barrier to reliable, high-speed internet. Madison County has been working with Empire Fiber Internet, the USDA, Syracuse Utilities, ECC Technologies, New York Engineering Services, and the New York State ConnectALL Municipal Infrastructure Program to build this network.

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About the Madison County Connect Project

Madison County is constructing a publicly owned fiber broadband network designed to expand high-speed internet access to previously unserved and underserved homes and businesses. The nearly 389-mile network will be operated by Empire Fiber Internet and, when fully built, is expected to make fiber internet available to more than 3,600 homes, farms and businesses. Learn more at www.madisoncounty.ny.gov.

About Empire Fiber Internet

Founded in 1896 with a single telephone line in Prattsburgh, NY, Empire Fiber Internet has grown into a premier fiber internet provider, serving homes and businesses across New York and Pennsylvania. Empire Fiber Internet delivers dedicated 100% fiber connections with fast, reliable speeds, no data caps, transparent pricing, and internet options ranging from 500 Mbps to 2 Gig. With a focus on outstanding customer service and dependable performance, Empire Fiber Internet provides the flexibility and bandwidth customers need for streaming, working, gaming, and staying connected, without slowdowns. Learn more at www.empireaccess.com.

Madison County Connect Project Contact
Samantha Field
Tel: (315) 366-2822
Email: Samantha.field@madisoncounty.ny.gov

Empire Fiber Internet Media Contact
iMiller Public Relations
Tel: 1(914) 315-6424
Email: empireaccess@imillerpr.com