New York Expands Access to Affordable Home Internet Plans
Agreement with T-Mobile will improve access to low-cost broadband services for eligible households across New York State.
Governor Kathy Hochul and Attorney General Letitia James announced an agreement with T-Mobile to expand access to affordable home internet service for income-eligible New Yorkers under the state's Affordable Broadband Act.
The November 9 announcement follows an investigation by the New York Attorney General's Office that found T-Mobile's low-cost internet offerings did not fully comply with state requirements.
Under the Affordable Broadband Act, large internet service providers must offer eligible households broadband plans costing no more than $15 per month for speeds of at least 25 megabits per second (Mbps), or $20 per month for speeds of at least 200 Mbps. These prices include taxes and equipment fees.
The investigation found that T-Mobile reduced internet speeds for customers enrolled in its affordable broadband plan after they used 50 gigabytes of data in a month. The company also limited availability of its affordable plans to certain service areas and made the plans difficult to locate through online searches.
Under the agreement, T-Mobile will eliminate the data caps associated with its Affordable Broadband Act plans, expand availability to all areas where it offers home internet service, and make information about its low-cost plans easier to find online.
Who Qualifies for Affordable Internet?
New York households may qualify if at least one household member participates in certain assistance programs, including:
- Medicaid
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
- Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP)
- Free or reduced-price school lunch programs
- Senior Citizen Rent Increase Exemption (SCRIE) or Disability Rent Increase Exemption (DRIE)
Households may also qualify based on income, even if they do not participate in these programs.
Access to reliable, affordable broadband supports remote work, education, healthcare services and everyday household needs. The state's efforts to expand broadband availability are particularly relevant to communities where internet affordability and connectivity remain challenges.
New Yorkers can review eligibility requirements and learn more about available plans through the state's broadband resources website.
