Getting reliable home internet at a low price can be difficult for many families. However, eligible households in New York may soon have better options. T-Mobile has agreed to improve its affordable home internet service after an investigation by New York Attorney General Letitia James.
The agreement will bring important changes to the company’s plans under the New York Affordable Broadband Act (ABA). These changes include removing data caps, expanding service availability, and making it easier for customers to find and sign up for low-cost internet.
T-Mobile Will Remove Data Caps on Affordable Internet Plans
One of the biggest changes is the removal of data caps from T-Mobile’s Affordable Broadband Act plans.
Previously, customers on the $15 monthly plan could use only 50GB of data before their internet speed was reduced. After reaching this limit, download speeds could fall to just 650 Kbps. This was more than a 97% reduction and could make everyday activities like video calls, online classes, and browsing difficult.
Under the new agreement, T-Mobile will remove these data caps and provide at least 25 Mbps download speeds to eligible subscribers. Temporary speed reductions may still happen when the network is congested.
Affordable Internet Plans Will Reach More New Yorkers
T-Mobile will also expand its affordable home internet plans to every area where it offers home internet service.
Earlier, the company limited these plans to locations with 5G coverage, even when its 4G network could provide the required internet speed.
The company will also make its affordable plan information visible to search engines. This should help eligible customers discover the offers when searching online.
T-Mobile Affordable Broadband Plan Prices
The New York Affordable Broadband Act requires internet providers to offer eligible households low-cost broadband plans.
| Monthly Price | Minimum Download Speed |
|---|---|
| $15 | 25 Mbps |
| $20 | 200 Mbps |
These plans are designed to make home internet more affordable for families that need financial support.
Who Can Qualify for the Affordable Internet Plans?
New York residents may qualify if someone in their household receives benefits from programs such as:
- Medicaid
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
- Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP)
- Free or reduced-price school lunch
- Senior Citizen Rent Increase Exemption (SCRIE)
- Disability Rent Increase Exemption (DRIE)
Households that do not receive these benefits may still qualify based on their income.
Eligible residents can check the requirements and enrollment information through the New York broadband consumer resources website.
A Step Forward for Affordable Internet Access
Attorney General Letitia James and Governor Kathy Hochul said affordable internet is important for education, employment, emergency services, and communication.
The agreement is an important step toward making sure internet providers follow the Affordable Broadband Act. Removing data caps and expanding plan availability could help more families access reliable home internet without paying high monthly bills.
For more technology updates, readers can also explore our coverage of internet service providers, broadband technology, and the latest telecom industry news.
