DPS Issues Report on Low-Income Internet Accessibility in New Yor...

ALBANY - The New York State Department of Public Service (DPS) today issued a report on low-income internet accessibility in New York State. The detailed report highlights the swift and important steps that Governor Kathy Hochul and the New York State Public Service Commission (PSC or Commission) have taken to ensure that high-speed broadband service continues to be affordable and available in New York. In addition, the report provides a much-needed resource for low-income New York consumers and organizations working to assist low-income New Yorkers to identify broadband companies that provide relevant programs. The report will be updated at least annually going forward, or until a more permanent federal or statewide program becomes available.

"Availability and access of high-speed broadband is critical for everyday life," said DPS CEO Rory M. Christian. "When considering broadband issues, it's important to note that broadband access supports economic development and a community's ability to attract and retain industry. From staying up to date during weather events or other emergencies to simply having the ability to complete one's homework, access to the internet is fundamental to ensuring one can thrive in the modern world."

However, while the physical infrastructure used to provide broadband service is available to almost every New York household, availability is only one component in closing the digital divide. For as many as 1.7 million New York households, even where there is infrastructure available, the cost to purchase broadband service remains an obstacle to gaining access.

In August, the PSC announced its approval of a settlement with Charter Communications, Inc. (Charter) that will result in the reinstatement of a low-income program offering $15 per month for 50 Mbps internet service for eligible low-income households. Under the settlement, Charter will offer the program for four years and cannot increase the price of the service by more than the annual rate of inflation as measured by the Consumer Price Index.

On September 20, 2024, Altice filed a petition proposing to amend its low-income service to align with the provisions contained in the Charter settlement. If the petition is approved by the Commission, Altice USA, Inc. (Altice) would continue its low-income program for at least an additional four years, consistent with the terms of the Charter settlement. Although not required by Commission directive, Verizon New York Inc. (Verizon) offers Verizon Forward, a home internet service specifically for low-income households that provides eligible customers with a range of speeds and price points for purchase. That Verizon service starts at $20 per month at 300 Mbps. According to the report, Charter, Altice and/or Verizon are New York's three largest internet service providers and serve over 95 percent of addresses passed by broadband networks in New York.

Over the last several years, Governor Hochul and the PSC have implemented several targeted initiatives to improve the availability and access to high-speed broadband service throughout the state. These actions include requiring telephone and cable companies under PSC jurisdiction to expand their respective networks to provide high-speed broadband to unserved or underserved households in the state. In addition, pursuant to legislation enacted in 2021, DPS is now required to report on and map high-speed broadband infrastructure annually at an address-level, which is crucial in identifying areas that lack broadband availability.

The report issued today provides the most up-to-date information on low-income programs in New York and is designed to help communities learn about their eligibility requirements. Consumers should contact their internet service providers directly for more information on current programs. This report and subsequent updates will be available on the DPS website. In addition, DPS is working with its mapping consultant to include the current opportunities to access low-income broadband service on the State's broadband mapping website, which can be found at: https://mapmybroadband.dps.ny.gov.

The report may be obtained by going to the Commission Documents section of the Commission's website at www.dps.ny.gov and entering Case Number 22-M-0313 in the input box labeled "Search for Case/Matter Number". Many libraries offer free Internet access. Commission documents may also be obtained from the Commission's Files Office, 14th floor, Three Empire State Plaza, Albany, NY 12223 (518-474-2500). If you have difficulty understanding English, please call us at 1-800-342-3377 for free language assistance services regarding this press release.

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