New York State has settled with Charter Communications, Inc., the parent company of Spectrum, to offer discounted internet service to eligible low-income New Yorkers. The Public Service Commission (PSC) approved the enforcement settlement, which requires Charter to re-establish a low-income broadband program. Under the agreement, Charter will offer internet service at $15 per month for 50 Mbps download speed for four years to New Yorkers enrolled in the National Free School Lunch Program or receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits.
The company will not be allowed to raise the price by more than the inflation rate from years two through four of the program. Governor Kathy Hochul supported the settlement, stating, “My administration has been steadfast in its commitment to expand internet service to all New Yorkers, and this settlement directly benefits thousands of low-income New York families.
Settlement offers low-cost internet access
Broadband is crucial to driving economic growth and opportunity for all of our citizens, and we will continue our efforts to provide broadband access across the state.
Thomas Congdon, deputy chair of the NY Public Service Commission, highlighted that ongoing litigation has delayed the implementation of the State’s Affordable Broadband Act, and the federal Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) has expired. By approving this settlement, the PSC aims to make affordable broadband available to eligible New Yorkers in Charter’s service territory. At the same time, litigation is resolved, and federal funding for ACP is reinstated or clarified. Charter is the largest cable provider in the state, operating in 58 out of the 62 counties in New York.
The company previously increased the price of this service without approval, which led to the settlement. The cost will remain steady for the next four years, with limited increases tied to inflation. This initiative is part of a broader effort to ensure that all citizens have access to reliable and affordable internet service, which is crucial for economic growth and opportunity in the state.
