Telecom Groups Sue to Block New York Low-Cost Broadband Law

  • Groups that include AT&T and Verizon say state has overstepped
  • Ensuring access to broadband has become a prominent issue
Lock
This article is for subscribers only.

Telecom industry groups representing AT&T Inc. and Verizon Communications Inc. sued to block a New York law that requires internet service providers to offer high-speed broadband service to low-income customers at a discount.

The state enacted the requirement this month as part of its 2022 budget. It caps a basic broadband plan for low-income people at $15 a month and a higher-speed one at $20. The telecom groups seek a declaration that the law is pre-empted by federal law, and a court order blocking it from taking effect.