Telecom companies file lawsuit to block $15 internet

ALBANY — A group of telecommunications trade groups that represent a broad range of internet providers has filed a lawsuit trying to block Gov. Andrew Cuomo's landmark new law that would make them provide $15-a-month internet service to low-income customers.

The new law, which was passed as part of the state budget last month, is part of a broader effort by the Cuomo administration to ensure that everyone in the state — regardless of income or location — can get high-speed internet, which during the pandemic has become more important than ever as students and workers have been forced to work and study from home.

Last week, the New York State Telecommunications Association, the Wireless Association and other groups like the Rural Broadband Association, filed a lawsuit in U.S. District Court in Brooklyn seeking to block the law on the grounds that it violates federal policy to not interfere with internet rates.

"Indeed, the broadband service that New York seeks to regulate has never been subject to rate regulation at the federal or state level," the lawsuit states.

Read more: https://www.timesunion.com/business/article/Telecom-companies-file-lawsuit-to-block-15-16148096.php