Sen. Charles Schumer says more than $170 million in federal funding earmarked for New York to increase broadband access may be given to other states.
The Federal Communications Commission awarded New York a total of $49 million annually for six years as part of a national broadband access plan.
But Verizon didn't accept its share of $28 million annually. Schumer says the FCC now wants to let other states take that money.
Schumer is proposing a partnership between the FCC and New York to keep the money in-state. He said other providers are interested by the prospect of more funding.
The FCC's plan is to expand high-speed broadband access.
A message left with the FCC was not initially returned Wednesday.
