New York Expands Affordable Home Internet Access for Low-Income Residents

New York Attorney General Letitia James and Governor Kathy Hochul have reached an agreement with T-Mobile USA to expand access to affordable home internet for eligible low-income households across the state.

Announced on November 9, the agreement requires T-Mobile to improve its compliance with the New York Affordable Broadband Act (ABA), which requires internet providers to offer qualifying households broadband service for $15 per month at speeds of at least 25 Mbps, or $20 per month at speeds of at least 200 Mbps.

An investigation by the New York Attorney General’s Office found that T-Mobile was not fully meeting the law’s requirements. Although the company advertised a $15 monthly plan with download speeds of 25 Mbps, it imposed a 50-gigabyte monthly data cap. Once customers exceeded that limit, their download speeds were reduced by more than 97 per cent, falling to 650 Kbps. A typical customer could reach the limit in about four days.

The investigation also found that T-Mobile restricted the affordable plans to areas with 5G coverage, despite offering home internet services capable of delivering the required speeds in some 4G areas. The company had also configured its website to prevent search engines from displaying information about its affordable broadband plans.

Under the agreement, T-Mobile will remove the data caps on its ABA plans and provide download speeds of at least 25 Mbps, except when temporary reductions are necessary due to network congestion. The company must also make the plans available in all areas where it offers home internet service and ensure that information about the plans can be found through search engines.

“Reliable and affordable internet service is a basic need for all New Yorkers,” Attorney General James said, urging eligible residents to enrol in low-cost broadband plans.

Governor Hochul said internet access is essential for work, education, emergency services and staying connected with family. She added that her administration would continue working to ensure affordable and reliable connectivity across the state.

Who is eligible for affordable internet?

New York households may qualify for an ABA plan if at least one member receives benefits from programmes including:

• Medicaid
• Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
• Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) or qualifying utility affordability benefits
• Free or reduced-price school meals under the National School Lunch Program
• Senior Citizen Rent Increase Exemption (SCRIE) or Disability Rent Increase Exemption (DRIE)

Households without members enrolled in these programmes may also qualify based on income.

Eligible residents can check their qualifications and find more information at broadband.ny.gov/consumer-resources.

The New York State Public Service Commission and Department of Public Service oversee compliance with the Affordable Broadband Act. The agreement is intended to make affordable home internet more accessible to vulnerable households and help narrow the state’s digital divide.

Source: New York Attorney General’s Office