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AT&T Pulls Its 5G Internet Service in NY Over New Affordable Internet Law
In a surprising move, AT&T has announced that it will no longer offer its 5G Internet Air service to residents of New York state. The decision comes as the result of the recently enacted Affordable Broadband Act, which took effect this week.
The new law requires internet providers with over 20,000 customers to offer two affordable broadband plans to low-income households that qualify for social assistance benefits like Medicaid or the National School Lunch Program. One plan must provide download speeds of at least 25Mbps for no more than $15 per month, while the other boosts that to speeds of up to 200Mbps at a maximum of $20 per month.
In response to these regulations, AT&T has chosen not to comply with the law and instead ended its home internet services in New York. The company does not offer home internet over fiber or DSL in the state either. Instead, it will focus on other markets where it can continue to operate more freely.
The 5G Internet Air service provided by AT&T offered download speeds of 40 to 140Mbps for $55 per month, or $60 per month without autopay. However, instead of adapting its services to meet the new law’s requirements, the company has decided to completely pull out of the New York market.
The decision is a major blow to consumers who were previously using AT&T’s service. Existing users will still be able to use their internet connection for 45 days without being charged, giving them time to find an alternative provider.
It remains unclear whether other providers will follow in AT&T’s footsteps and pull out of the New York market as well. However, with the law now in effect, it is possible that we may see a shift towards more affordable internet options becoming available to low-income households across the state.
Source: www.theverge.com
