AT&T pulls its 5G internet service in NY under new affordable internet law

AT&T announced it will no longer offer it 5G internet air service In response to the state this week in New York Affordable Broadband Act Coming into effect from Wednesday. The company says existing users can continue to use the service for 45 days without charges, giving them time to find an alternative broadband provider. according to CNET,

new york Originally Affordable Broadband Act Passed in 2021But the legislation was stalled for several years due to opposition from broadband lobbying groups and legal challenges. Last December, the US Supreme Court declined to intervene, allowing the law to finally go into effect this month.

This follows Congress's decision not to continue federal funding. Affordable Connectivity Program That launched last year during the COVID-19 pandemic and offered discounts of up to $30 per month on home internet for qualifying households.

The law requires Internet providers with more than 20,000 customers to offer two affordable broadband plans to low-income families who qualify for social assistance benefits such as Medicaid or the National School Lunch Program. One plan offers download speeds of at least 25 Mbps for no more than $15 per month, while another bumps it up to 200 Mbps for no more than $20 per month.

AT&T's Internet Air service offers New York residents download speeds of 40 to 140 Mbps for $55 per month (which is temporarily slowed when the company's 5G network is busy) or $60 for those who don't opt ​​for autopay. Offered. Rather than comply with the new law and offer Internet Air at a discount, AT&T ended its home Internet services in New York. The company also does not offer home internet on fiber or DSL in the state.

The company said in a statement, “While we are committed to providing reliable and affordable internet service to customers across the country, New York's broadband law imposes disadvantageous rate rules that make it difficult for AT&T to invest in our broadband infrastructure in the state and “Makes it uneconomic to expand.” awarded to CNET And Ars Technica,