Newark, NJ – Mayor Ras J. Baraka, alongside representatives from Newark Housing Authority (NHA), Newark Fiber, and internet service provider Andrena, convened today at the Otto E. Kretchmer Elderly Center to announce a groundbreaking partnership.
The collaboration aims to provide affordable high-speed Internet connectivity to over 1,600 units across 14 NHA buildings, marking a significant step in addressing the digital divide in Newark. Mayor Baraka expressed enthusiasm about the initiative, stating, “The launch of Connect Newark: Andrena – A Newark Fiber Collaboration, will be a game-changer for thousands of people living in our city. High-speed internet will enable Newarkers to work from home, access online education, and attend telehealth appointments, ensuring equal opportunities for all residents to thrive.”
Success and Progress
The initiative has already seen success, with 150 individual residences adopting the new, cost-effective Andrena option. Since the initial building installations earlier this year, over 150 units have embraced Andrena’s new service, with many more expected to follow suit. With plans starting at just $20 a month, compared to the average rate of $75, residents stand to save up to $700 annually. The affordable internet will empower residents to engage in various online activities, including research, shopping, video calls, streaming services, and online banking. Additionally, residents will have access to free Wi-Fi in common areas within and around the public housing buildings.
Neil Chatterjee, co-founder and CEO of Andrena, expressed gratitude for being selected to deliver low-cost internet service to Newark, emphasizing the importance of making connectivity more accessible and usable than ever before.
Broader Impact
Aaron Meyerson, Chief Innovation Economy Officer and Director of Broadband at Invest Newark and Newark Alliance, highlighted the broader impact of the initiative. He stated, “Our goal is to offer connectivity options to Newark residents who previously had limited access to the internet. This full alignment of real estate, connectivity, workforce training, and affordable internet is how the city of Newark is leading the way forward.” The collaboration addresses Newark’s digital divide, with nearly one in five households lacking internet subscriptions and nine percent without a computer. Through strategic partnerships, the city aims to provide sustainable, high-speed options to residents. Andrena collaborated with local telecom companies, including TeknoGRID, and Brooklyn-based BlocPower, to train local residents for cable installation. Marland Jenkins, founder and CEO of TeknoGRID, emphasized the importance of on-the-job training for skill-building, thanking companies like Andrena for providing opportunities for trainees.
Leonard J. Spicer, Executive Director of NHA, expressed pride in the transformative collaboration, affirming its commitment to fostering vibrant, connected communities and opening doors to new opportunities for residents. With this partnership, Newark takes a significant step towards bridging the digital divide and ensuring equal access to high-speed internet for all residents.
