AT&T Is Stopping Its 5G Internet Air Service in NY Because of New Broadband Law

A new broadband law goes into effect this week in New York State requiring an internet service provider to offer low-income residents access to a monthly broadband fee of $15 for 25 Mbps or $20 for 200 Mbps. In response, AT&T has decided it no longer plans to offer 5G home internet in the Empire State and will begin notifying users of the decision on Wednesday.

“While we are committed to providing reliable and affordable Internet service to customers across the country, New York’s broadband law imposes harmful rate rules that make it unprofitable for AT&T to invest and expand our broadband infrastructure in the state,” the company said in a statement. Statement courtesy of CNET.

“As a result, from January 15, 2025 “We will no longer be able to offer AT&T Internet Air, our fixed wireless Internet service, to New York City customers.”

AT&T says it will let existing customers use the service for an additional 45 days and won’t charge them for that time so they can “find other broadband options.” The telecom giant says it will continue to provide wireless services in the state and that there are no changes on that front.

“We will work closely with our customers throughout this transition. AT&T’s nationwide wireless service will remain unchanged in New York,” the company says, adding that it will “continue to support policies that promote capital investment, innovation and a competitive marketplace.”

AT&T does not offer other home Internet services, such as fiber or DSL, in New York State and only offers home broadband over wireless radio.

The new broadband law comes after the federal affordable communications program ran out of funds last year. This service provided eligible users with a discount of up to $30 per month on internet services (and for those living on tribal lands, a discount of up to $75). ACP affected 23 million households.

New York first passed a broadband law back in 2021. the appeal court allowed him to move forward last April after legal problems they tried to prevent this. US Supreme Court decided in December that it would not consider challenging the new law.