Opinion: Link5G signals a more connected and resilient Queens

In 2025, there’s no doubt that reliable connectivity is essential for work, education and public safety. But too many of my constituents in Queens remain stuck in cellular “dead zones” plagued by unreliable service. LinkNYC’s deployment of Link5G smart poles in Queens, particularly in Far Rockaway and other underserved areas, is an important step towards delivering dependable, high-speed cellular and Wi-Fi connectivity to tens of thousands more New Yorkers.

A poll by HarrisX found that 38% of Queens residents experience dropped calls at least a few times a month, and 74% say the availability of strong 5G cellular service at home is important, with 69% of New Yorkers without an in-home broadband subscription relying on their cellular network to connect with family, employers, online education, telemedicine and financial services.

This issue is not just about bringing our digital infrastructure into the 21st century, but about driving equity for everyone who calls our city home. More affluent neighborhoods have long enjoyed high-speed broadband in our city, but working-class and historically underserved communities often struggle to access the same service, especially after Congress was ultimately unable to continue funding the Affordable Connectivity Program. Connectivity creates pathways to success for job seekers, students, small businesses and entrepreneurs alike.

For residents of the Rockaways and other parts of Southeast Queens, where hurricanes and flooding pose a growing threat, broadband is a lifeline to vital resources and emergency services. Stable connectivity is critical, especially as climate change increases storms’ severity and frequency. Thankfully, in partnership with the NYC Office of Technology & Innovation, Link5G deployment prioritizes communities like ours for the expansion of next-gen connectivity to help residents stay informed, connected and well-resourced – especially when disaster approaches.

Link5G smart poles equip our neighborhoods with free public Wi-Fi and dedicated 911 call buttons so that everyone – regardless of income, housing situation or immigration status – can coordinate with loved ones, connect with food pantries and shelters and receive guidance from agencies like NYC Emergency Management.

New infrastructure also offers new opportunities to make our city more accessible. LinkNYC already incorporates features like braille keypads, screen readers and video relay services so anyone can fully benefit from its digital resources. But along with my colleagues in the City Council, I’m pushing the LinkNYC program to become even more helpful for our neighbors in the deaf and hard-of-hearing community through recently passed legislation – Intro 138 – which now requires more public service announcements on LinkNYC’s display screens to include messaging in American Sign Language.

Enhanced digital infrastructure like Link5G can help promote economic growth, climate resilience and accessibility – especially in neighborhoods that have been under-resourced for far too long. As a city, it is crucial that we remain committed to investments in our infrastructure that actively bridge the digital divide and empower all residents to fully participate and thrive in the digital age.