New York’s Broadband Law Sets a New Benchmark for Access

In 2021, New York passed the Affordable Broadband Act (ABA), requiring internet providers to offer high-speed broadband to lower-income households for as little as $15 per month. After years of legal battles, including challenges that reached the Supreme Court, the law is finally being enforced as of January 15, and the timing couldn't be more critical. With key federal programs like the Digital Equity Act and the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program facing an uncertain future, the nation’s efforts to close the digital divide risk stalling at a pivotal moment. Under the law, major ISPs (serving 20,000 households or more) must provide qualifying households with access to broadband services at either $15 per month for 25 Mbps or $20 per month for 200 Mbps—cutting the cost of internet access for lower-income households by more than half. Eligibility for these low-cost plans includes households with an annual income up to 185% of the federal poverty level – a maximum of $59,477.50 for a family of four under 2025 guidelines – or those who qualify for programs such as the National School Lunch Program, Medicaid, SNAP, and others. These rates include taxes and equipment fees, and price increases are capped at 2% annually, making it easier for families to budget their monthly expenses. The ABA's impact will be transformative for lower-income households and anchor institutions that will be enabled to better reach and provide services to their communities. Those who previously relied solely on cellular data, pushing them toward social media and limiting access to more enriching opportunities, will now be able to engage more fully with high-quality online experiences. Nobody wants to build a bridge to nowhere—new broadband infrastructure and investments in innovative technology like generative AI alone won't solve the digital divide if families can't afford to use it. Without reliable, low-cost service, millions will remain disconnected, reinforcing disparities in economics, health, and education. As the federal landscape for broadband affordability remains uncertain, state-level action is essential to ensure that cost is no longer a barrier to digital access. Policymakers must recognize that access to affordable, high-speed internet is foundational to economic and social progress and look to New York as a shining example of how to ensure no one is left behind in the digital age.

[Brenna Leasor is the Tech Policy Counsel at Common Sense Media, where she advocates for state and federal policies to close the digital divide, promote digital literacy, advance safe and responsible AI, and strengthen online protections for kids, teens, and families.]