New York has been working to roll out its Affordable Broadband Act since it was originally passed in 2021. Affected companies weren’t too happy about it, as it would deeply cut into their profits. However, it officially rolled out this month after various delays due to debates and struggles. But AT&T is one of many companies still trying to fight it (going as far as pulling services).
The act seeks to force large ISPs (with more than 20K customers) within the state to offer entry-level broadband packages for low-income residents while keeping the price affordable. This begins with a 25 Mbps level at or below $15/month. AT&T decided to pull its 5G home internet (AT&T 5G Internet Air) from its offered services within New York as an attempt to fight back against the act.
This new move by the company gives active customers around a month and a half to find new services elsewhere. After 45 days, AT&T will cancel the service and no longer offer it (unless the company changes its mind or something forces it to).
AT&T isn’t the only one looking to make some noise about the act. Elon Musk’s Starlink service is also trying to exempt itself from the requirements since it states that it doesn’t meet the numbers required for enforcement. It has filed for such an exemption with the state already. An exemption that should easily be acquired as long as it doesn’t break the 20K threshold.
