Complying with New York’s Affordable Broadband Act

In 2021, New York State enacted the Affordable Broadband Act (ABA). The law requires large internet service providers (ISPs)—those with over 20,000 subscribers—to offer one of two affordable monthly service plans for qualifying customers. Providers can choose between a $ 15-per-month plan with download speeds of 25 Mbps and a $ 20-per-month plan with download speeds of 200 Mbps. Customers are eligible if they participate in SNAP, Medicaid, or if their annual incomes are below 185 percent of the federal poverty level (i.e., less than $60k annually for a family of four). Briefly, here is how some of New York’s major ISPs are complying with the law.