Madison County Fiber Goes Live in Cazenovia, Chittenango and Canastota
Published · Updated
Madison County Connect has connected its first fiber customers. The county says parts of Cazenovia, Chittenango and Canastota can order service now or will become eligible in the coming weeks. Empire Fiber Internet operates the publicly owned network, and construction is expected to finish in early 2027.
Where service is available first
Madison County's October 14 update names Cazenovia, Chittenango and Canastota as the first active or near-active areas. Availability is still address-specific, so residents should check their exact street address with Empire Fiber Internet rather than assume an entire town is ready.
The network is opening in stages as crews finish construction and activate equipment. The county's project page says areas between Cazenovia and Chittenango may already qualify.
How the Madison County Connect project is funded
The first phase uses a USDA ReConnect project totaling $18,639,100: a $12,782,006 federal grant, a $3,385,387 county match and $2,471,707 from Empire Fiber Internet. That phase will build 269 miles of fiber to reach 1,087 unserved households, 50 farms and 30 businesses, while making 100 Mbps symmetrical service available to 6,504 other homes and businesses.
New York's ConnectALL Municipal Infrastructure Program added $12,572,908 in 2025. The state-funded work adds 137 miles and is intended to connect another 2,637 homes and businesses. Madison County lists the combined project at $31,212,008.
Empire Fiber plans in Madison County
| Plan | Download and upload speed | Monthly price listed by Madison County |
|---|---|---|
| Essential | 500 Mbps symmetrical | $60 |
| Enhanced | 1 Gig symmetrical | $75 |
| Elite | 2 Gig symmetrical | $90 |
Empire Fiber says its plans include a Wi-Fi router and modem, professional installation, no data caps and no contract. Prices and availability should still be checked for the exact address before ordering.
What to do if fiber has not reached your road
Use Empire Fiber's address checker first and ask whether your location is active, available for preorder or still outside the current build. If fiber is not ready, compare the cable, fixed-wireless, DSL and satellite options actually offered at your address. Do not cancel existing service until the new fiber connection has been installed and tested.
Our guide to what happens during fiber installation explains the appointment, and our rural internet guide compares alternatives while you wait.
Live in Madison County?
We'll check which internet providers report service at your address.
Frequently asked questions
Who provides service on the Madison County Connect network?
Empire Fiber Internet operates the network and sells service. Madison County owns the infrastructure.
Which Madison County communities can get service first?
The county says parts of Cazenovia, Chittenango and Canastota can connect now or will become eligible in the coming weeks. Service must be confirmed for each address.
When will Madison County Connect be finished?
Madison County expects construction to be complete in early 2027, with additional addresses activated as sections are finished.
What speeds and prices does Empire Fiber list?
Madison County lists 500 Mbps symmetrical service for $60 a month, 1 Gig for $75 and 2 Gig for $90. Confirm the current offer and availability for your address before ordering.
Does Empire Fiber require a contract?
Empire Fiber says its Madison County plans have no contract or data cap and include a Wi-Fi router, modem and professional installation.
Want to compare internet at your address?
Call us and we'll check every fiber, cable, 5G and satellite plan available where you live.