New York – After a probe by Governor Kathy Hochul’s office and Attorney General Letitia James, T‑Mobile has agreed to eliminate data caps on its Affordable Broadband Act (ABA) plans and to broaden the availability of low‑cost home internet throughout the state.
State investigation uncovered throttling
The Attorney General’s investigation found that customers on T‑Mobile’s affordable broadband plans experienced a dramatic slowdown once they used 50 GB of data in a month. Download speeds fell more than 97%, dropping to 650 kilobits per second (Kbps) despite advertised speeds of 25 megabits per second (Mbps). Investigators estimated a typical user could hit the 50 GB limit after roughly four days of normal usage.
Further, the probe revealed that T‑Mobile only offered its reduced‑price plans in areas with 5G coverage, even though the company provides full‑price plans capable of delivering the required 25 Mbps in many 4G‑only locations. The agency also discovered that T‑Mobile’s website was coded to keep affordable‑plan information from appearing in search‑engine results, making it harder for eligible households to find the options.
Agreement expands access and transparency
Under the new agreement, T‑Mobile will provide a minimum download speed of 25 Mbps on all ABA‑eligible plans, with temporary reductions allowed only when network congestion necessitates it. The carrier will also extend these affordable plans to every area where it offers home internet service, removing the previous 5G‑only restriction.
In addition, T‑Mobile must ensure that information about its low‑cost plans is easily searchable online, addressing the earlier practice of hiding the details from search engines.
What the Affordable Broadband Act requires
The ABA mandates that large internet providers offer income‑eligible households internet service for $15 per month at speeds of at least 25 Mbps, or $20 per month for speeds of at least 200 Mbps. Eligibility includes households receiving Medicaid, SNAP, the Home Energy Assistance Program, free or reduced‑price school lunches, or senior/disability rent‑increase exemptions, among other criteria. Even households not enrolled in these programs may qualify based on income.
Plans covered by the ABA must include taxes and equipment fees, though specific providers, plan details, and speeds can vary by location. Mobile and dial‑up services are excluded from the law.
Officials praise the outcome
Governor Hochul said, “The internet is a lifeline in today’s world. No New Yorker should struggle to access reliable and affordable internet, which is why my administration has made it a priority to ensure families and businesses across the state can thrive in today’s digital world. Together with Attorney General James, I will continue to hold companies accountable and make sure everyone has the tools they need to participate fully in our society, democracy and economy.”
Attorney General James added, “Reliable and affordable internet service is a basic need for all New Yorkers, but T‑Mobile flouted the law designed to help vulnerable New Yorkers access it. My office is committed to seeing the Affordable Broadband Act realize its goal of ensuring that New Yorkers in need are not denied access to affordable home internet.”
How to check eligibility
New Yorkers can verify their eligibility and learn more about participating providers at broadband.ny.gov/consumer-resources. The website provides tools to determine qualification based on benefits received or household income.
Original reporting: CBS 6 WRGB Albany (local) — read the source article.
