Latest news with #AffordableBroadbandAct
Yahoo
05-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Do you qualify for Spectrum's discounted internet plan? See the details
New Yorkers may qualify for a cheaper version of Spectrum's Internet Assist program through the state's Affordable Broadband Act. The Affordable Broadband Act, which was initially enacted in 2021 but blocked before it could go into effect, is now officially in effect as of Jan. 15, It requires internet service providers in New York to offer high-speed broadband service to qualifying low-income customers at either $15 per month of service of at least 25 megabits per second or $20 per month for high-speed service of at least 200 megabits per second. Spectrum is offering 50 Mbps for $15 per month for New York customers through their Spectrum Internet Assist program, which typically costs $25 per month.. Here's what to know about Spectrum's Internet Assist program. If you qualify for Spectrum Internet Assist, you'll receive the following: 50 Mbps high-speed internet Internet modem Security suite Parental controls Unlimited mobile line for one year The plan doesn't include WiFi but you can add it for an additional $10 per month, according to Spectrum's website. If you're a New York resident and you or one or more of the members of your household qualify for one of these programs, you may qualify for 50 Mbps at $15 per month through Spectrum Internet Assist: Supplemental Security Income Affordable Benefit from a Utility National School Lunch Program Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Medicaid Senior Citizen Rent Increase Exemption Disability Rent Increase Exemption If you receive Supplemental Security Income or an affordable benefit from a utility, you'll need to submit proof of enrollment. If you receive any of the other programs, you'll need to provide either proof of enrollment, proof of Lifeline enrollment or proof of program eligibility. For those providing proof of Lifeline enrollment, you must have enrolled or renewed within the past year to be eligible. What to know: Do you qualify for NY's Affordable Broadband Act? National School Lunch Program: You must be a parent or primary caregiver responsible for a child or children who attends high school or under and meet the income eligibility criteria. For example, a household size of four must make $57,720 or less to qualify. Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program: You must meet the income eligibility criteria. For example, a household size of four must make $46,800 or less to qualify. Medicaid: You must meet the income eligibility criteria. For example, a household size of four must make $43,056 or less to qualify. Senior Citizen Rent Increase Exemption: You must be 62 years of age or over, have your name on the lease of a rent stabilized/regulated unit or apartment and meet the annual household income requirement of a combined $50,000 or less per year. Disability Rent Increase Exemption: You must be 18 years of age or older, have your name on the lease of a rent stabilized/regulated unit or apartment and meet the annual household income requirement of a combined $50,000 or less per year. Check to see if you qualify for the program by visiting and either enroll online or download and print out a form to send in your application by mail. What to know: AT&T drops broadband service in NY as Affordable Broadband Act goes into effect According to Spectrum's website, new and existing customers in New York can pick between Spectrum Internet Assist and Spectrum Internet Advantage. However, the Internet Advantage plan typically costs more as a current offer on the company's website shows you can receive 100 Mpbs for $30 per month for one year. Spectrum says the retail rate of the program is $50 per month for qualifying New York customers. Emily Barnes reports on consumer-related issues for the USA TODAY Network's New York Connect Team, focusing on scam and recall-related topics. Follow her on Twitter and Instagram @byemilybarnes. Get in touch at ebarnes@ This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: Do you qualify for Spectrum's discounted internet plan? See the details
Yahoo
07-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Do you qualify for NY's Affordable Broadband Act? What to know
With the Affordable Broadband Act now in effect, you may be wondering if you qualify for reduced broadband prices. The Affordable Broadband Act, or ABA, requires anyone looking to provide broadband service, or internet service providers, in New York to offer high speed broadband service to low-income customers at either $15 per month of service of at least 25 megabits per second or $20 per month for high-speed service of at least 200 megabits per second. Certain price increases may be allowed every few years and internet service providers that serve 20,000 households or less may be exempted. So far, over 60 New York providers have requested exemptions. Here's how to know if you qualify for ABA and what internet service providers are currently offering in New York. You could qualify for ABA plans if you participate in any of these programs, according to the state: Free or reduced-priced lunch through the National School Lunch Program Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Medicaid Senior citizen rent increase exemption Disability rent increase exemption Affordability benefit from a utility What to know: AT&T drops broadband service in NY as Affordable Broadband Act goes into effect While there are two options New York internet service providers could provide through the ABA, the $20 option is not mandatory, according to the state's Department of Public Service. Here's what some providers are offering: Speed of offering: 50 Mbps Price of offering (per month): $14.99 More information: Speed of offering: 50 Mbps Price of offering (per month): $15 More information: Speed of offering: 25 Mbps download speed plus 3 Mbps upload speed Price of offering (per month): $15 with a $100 installation fee More information: Speed of offering: 75 Mbps Price of offering (per month): $14.95 More information: Hochul's State of the State: Proposed regulations aim to better protect NY consumers from overdraft fees AT&T has stopped offering its fixed-wireless internet service statewide as of Jan. 15 because of the state's Affordable Broadband Act, according to the company, and since New York is outside of AT&T's wireline service footprint, there are no other home internet options available throughout the state. If you're an AT&T Internet Air service customer, which offers wireless home internet for $60 per month or $47 per month when bundled with an unlimited wireless plan, you will be able to keep the service for up to 45 days at no charge, the company says, and you'll receive a recovery kit with instructions on how to return your equipment. Business customers can keep any device they've bought at no charge. Emily Barnes reports on consumer-related issues for the USA TODAY Network's New York Connect Team, focusing on scam and recall-related topics. Follow her on Twitter and Instagram @byemilybarnes. Get in touch at ebarnes@ This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: NY Affordable Broadband Act: How you qualify for reduced prices
