Federal Court Reinstates New York's $15 Broadband Law for Low-Income Households

A recent ruling by the 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals overturns a previous decision, allowing New York to enforce discounted broadband rates.

The 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals has reversed a 2021 decision that blocked New York's $15 broadband law, which mandates affordable internet for low-income residents.
The law requires ISPs to offer broadband at a maximum of $15 per month for 25Mbps service, with provisions for periodic price adjustments.
Trade groups argued the law was preempted by federal regulations, but the court found these claims unconvincing, citing lack of federal authority to regulate broadband rates.
The ruling could set a precedent for other states looking to implement similar broadband affordability measures.
ISPs have options to challenge the law, including lobbying for legislative changes or revisiting FCC classifications.