As a new government-backed effort to lower the cost of broadband is actually in place, New Yorkers will be happy to learn that they could be saving money on the internet soon.
The Affordable Broadband Act ( ABA ), which was announced by Governor Kathy Hochul this week, mandates that internet service providers provide broadband to low-income households for a monthly fee of$ 15 for 25 Mbps or$ 20 for 200 Mbps. the first state to adopt the program.
” Digital communication isn’t a luxury — it’s a fundamental right that opens doors to financial freedom and opportunity”, Governor Hochul said.
She continued,” This was a strong move in bridging the digital divide by creating affordable, accessible, and equitable online for all New Yorkers.” It will provide families and businesses in New York with the resources they need to” prosper in today’s modern world.”
Additionally, the State announced a$ 15 million Capacity Grant for the Digital Equity Program to provide underserved areas with support for electronic literacy training, machine access, and other services.
Hope Knight, Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner, said:” Digital access and education are the gateway to financial freedom in today’s market. This combination of cheap broadband access and electronic inclusion resourcing will enable regional organizations to come up with creative solutions that overcome obstacles.
Rory M. Christian, the head of the New York State Public Service Commission, claimed that bandwidth “is as crucial a reference to New York’s areas as going water and electricity.”
This law, according to Christian, is crucial in promoting economic equality, expanding educational opportunities, and promoting public health, especially as more important services, including rural education and health care, are moving more and more online.