STEUBEN COUNTY, NEW YORK – April 28, 2026 – Empire Fiber Internet, a leading fiber optic internet service provider serving communities across New York and Pennsylvania, is excited to announce the completion of its latest fiber expansion in Steuben County. Residents in Avoca, Birdseye Hollow, Caton, Hornby, Howard, and Savona can now enjoy reliable high-speed fiber internet.
This expansion represents the continued partnership with Steuben County to bring modern broadband infrastructure to rural communities – ensuring residents and businesses have the connectivity required to thrive in today’s digital economy.
“Headquartered right here in Steuben County, we’re proud to employ local residents and invest in the community where we live and work,” said Kevin Dickens, CEO of Empire Fiber Internet. “This expansion is about more than fiber; it’s about connecting people to opportunities, education, and each other. Now, nearly 2,000 more households can experience fast, reliable internet that supports how they live, work, and learn every day.”
“Steuben County is extremely proud and grateful for our partnership with Empire Access for the expansion of rural broadband services across our communities,” said Jack Wheeler, Steuben County Manager. “When the County received American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding in 2021, the County Legislature made it clear that rural broadband was the top priority for use of these funds, and as a result, over 2,000 previously unserved homes and businesses will now have access to high-speed internet. This would not be possible without the investment and dedication of Empire Access, who has been a trusted and responsive partner. We are thrilled with the fruition of this project and will continue to work with Empire to explore opportunities to expand broadband to all.”
Local residents are already seeing the benefits. “I’ve been waiting years for reliable internet in my home,” said Jane S., Avoca resident. “With Empire Fiber Internet, my kids can do schoolwork, I can work from home, and our family can finally stream without interruptions!”
Empire Fiber Internet’s commitment to Steuben County goes beyond building a faster network, it’s about building a stronger community.
On May 13, the team will participate in Career Day with Prattsburgh Elementary School, offering students a hands-on look at careers in fiber internet and technology. Students will have the opportunity to explore equipment and view a service truck (weather permitting), helping them better understand how fiber networks are built and maintained.
Through interactive and visual learning experiences, students will gain insight into both technical careers and the essential skills that lead to success in any profession, including teamwork, responsibility, reliability, and problem-solving. “For more than a decade, Empire Fiber Internet has been a dedicated supporter of the Career Development Council through meaningful career programming that prepares students for future success,” said Jennifer Page, Career Education Resource Specialist at the Career Development Council, Inc. in partnership with Greater Southern Tier BOCES. “I have personally partnered with their team to coordinate job shadowing experiences, mock interviews, and career days for students of all ages across their local communities and throughout Steuben County. As Empire Fiber Internet continues to expand its internet services throughout Steuben County, their commitment to workforce development remains evident as well. Their team consistently shares valuable insight into current job opportunities and the skills needed to thrive in today’s workplace, demonstrating that their growth is matched by a strong investment in the communities and future workforce they serve.”
As a company rooted in Steuben County, Empire Fiber Internet is proud to connect homes and businesses today while inspiring the next generation who will help shape the community’s future.
Steuben County residents can check availability and sign up today at empirefiber.com. Empire Fiber Internet offers 100% fiber internet symmetrical upload and download speeds up to 2 Gig, enterprise-level reliability, backed by 24/7/365 locally staffed customer support. Its fiber network is designed to be both affordable and future-ready, supporting evolving technology needs for years to come.
To learn more about Empire Fiber Internet, visit empirefiber.com
About Empire Fiber Internet
Founded in 1896 with a single telephone line in Prattsburgh, NY, Empire Fiber Internet has grown into a premier fiber internet provider, serving homes and businesses across New York and Pennsylvania. Empire Fiber Internet delivers dedicated 100% fiber connections with fast, reliable speeds, no data caps, transparent pricing, and internet options ranging from 500 Mbps to 2 Gig. With a focus on outstanding customer service and dependable performance, Empire Fiber Internet provides the flexibility and bandwidth customers need for streaming, working, gaming, and staying connected, without slowdowns. Learn more at empirefiber.com.
Media Contact
iMiller Public Relations
Tel: 1.914.315.6424
Email: empireaccess@imillerpr.com
