TL;DR

  • First connections: Empire Fiber Internet is now serving the first customers on Madison County’s publicly owned fiber network, which is expected to reach more than 3,600 homes, farms and businesses when completed.
  • Project details and timeline: The $31 million public-private initiative spans nearly 389 miles, with construction expected to finish by early 2027. Empire is also expanding service beyond the publicly funded footprint.
  • Continued momentum: The milestone builds on Empire’s recent network expansions in Ithaca, New York, and Berwick, Pennsylvania.
  • Expanding access: The project expands access to connectivity that supports education, telehealth, remote work and local businesses while demonstrating how government and private providers can collaborate to address rural broadband gaps.

# # #

Empire Fiber Internet, a leading fiber optic internet service provider serving communities across New York and Pennsylvania, has begun serving the first customers on Madison County’s publicly owned fiber broadband network, marking a significant milestone in a multiyear effort to expand internet access across the rural New York county. Announced October 14, the initial connections bring the nearly 389-mile network closer to its goal of reaching more than 3,600 homes, farms and businesses, many of which previously had limited or no service.

The first serviceable portions of the network extend between the towns of Cazenovia, Sullivan, and Lenox. Additional locations will become eligible for service as crews complete construction and activate the remaining infrastructure, with construction expected to conclude by early 2027. Empire Fiber Internet will operate the network and provide internet service, while Madison County retains ownership of the infrastructure.

The $31 million Madison County Connect Project is supported by the USDA Rural Development ReConnect Program, New York State’s ConnectALL Municipal Infrastructure Program, Empire Fiber Internet, and Madison County. Its origins date to a $10.1 million USDA ReConnect grant awarded in 2021, subsequently increased to $12.7 million, to reach 1,087 unserved homes and businesses. Construction began in November 2023, and the broader project now encompasses more than 3,600 potential service locations.

Empire’s involvement also extends beyond operating the publicly funded network. The company is expanding service to additional addresses along the county’s network backbone in Cazenovia, Chittenango, and Canastota, including select neighborhoods outside the funded footprint. These extensions broaden the project’s reach while introducing another provider option for more residents and businesses.

The Madison County activation follows other recent developments for Empire Fiber Internet across New York and Pennsylvania. In August, the company expanded its Ithaca network to more than 700 additional homes and businesses, bringing its availability there to more than 5,400 locations. In September, Empire launched its fiber network in Berwick, Pennsylvania, following a $1.4 million local investment. The company also received its fourth consecutive FLX Finest Gold award for Best IT / Office Technology in 2026. Together, these milestones highlight a period of network expansion alongside continued community recognition.

With construction nearing completion, attention now turns to activating the remaining areas. Residents and businesses can check their addresses through Empire Fiber Internet’s availability tool and follow county updates as additional portions of the network open for service.

To learn more about Empire Fiber Internet, visit empirefiber.com.