New York City began distributing 350,000 brand-new Chromebooks with built-in LTE or 5G internet access to public school students on Monday, September 8th, marking a significant step in closing the digital divide in the nation’s largest school district.
Mayor Eric Adams, joined by Schools Chancellor Melissa Aviles-Ramos, Chief Technology Officer Matthew Fraser, T-Mobile executives, Dell Technologies representatives, and Yankees player Jazz Chisholm Jr., announced the rollout at an event in the Bronx. The devices will allow students to access the internet regardless of their home situation.
“Access to reliable technology and high-speed internet is a modern-day necessity,” Adams emphasized. “Too many families are still struggling with the cost of living and cannot always afford new, internet-enabled devices.” He explained that the city will provide 350,000 Chromebooks to students this school year to help address the digital learning gap.
The phased rollout will cover 1,700 schools across all five boroughs during the 2025-2026 school year. Distribution will focus on schools with outdated devices and students in under-connected communities, according to Aviles-Ramos.
Fraser highlighted the importance of internet and computer access as essential educational tools both in the classroom and at home. T-Mobile Chief Marketing Officer Mo Katibeh emphasized that the program “doesn’t just help close the digital divide — it opens doors to opportunity, equity, and brighter futures for families across all five boroughs.”
The initiative follows an agreement between the city and T-Mobile, which became a primary wireless carrier for municipal operations earlier this year. Officials noted that the deal provides free internet-enabled devices to students while saving taxpayers millions of dollars.
City leaders said the keyboard-equipped Chromebooks will help students develop essential digital skills for research, writing, and classroom assignments, while removing barriers to learning both in school and at home.
