ISPs’ Low-Cost Plans Reach 95% of New York Homes: Report

WASHINGTON, Oct. 4, 2024 – New York has strategically leveraged merger conditions and partnerships with major Internet Service Providers in an effort to provide affordable broadband access to an estimated 1.7 million state households struggling to afford the service.

The New York Department of Public Service’s report issued last week revealed that Charter, Altice USA, and Verizon, which together serve more than 95% of the state’s broadband addresses, will play a vital role in addressing affordability concerns with their low-cost internet plans for households.

Central to the state’s efforts was the recent settlement with Charter Communications, which reinstated a low-income broadband plan offering 50 Megabits per second (Mbps) internet for $15 per month. This four-year program targets more than 2.7 million eligible individuals, including those participating in the National Free School Lunch Program and Supplemental Security Income. Offering coverage in 62 of New York’s 64 counties, Charter's initiative has extensive reach across the state.