NEW YORK (AP) — New York can move ahead with a law requiring internet service providers to offer heavily discounted rates to low-income residents, a federal appeals court ruled Friday.
The decision from the 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Manhattan reverses a lower court ruling from 2021 that blocked the policy just days before it went into effect.
The law would force internet companies to give some low-income New Yorkers broadband service for as low as $15 a month, or face fines from the state.
Telecoms trade groups sued over the law, arguing it would cost them too much money and that it wrongly superseded a federal law that governs internet service.
On Friday, the industry groups said they were weighing their next legal move.
“We are disappointed by the court’s decision and New York state’s move for rate regulation in competitive industries. It not only discourages the needed investment in our nation’s infrastructure, but also potentially risks the sustainability of broadband operations in many areas,” a statement read.
New York state lawmakers approved the law in 2021 as part of the budget, with supporters arguing that the policy would give low-income residents a way to access the internet, which has become a vital utility.
Police launch probe after man in his 20s found shot behind the wheel of a locked car
Lawyers for teen suing NBA star Ja Morant over a fight during a pickup game withdraw from the case
Hakeem Jeffries isn't speaker, but might be the most powerful person in Congress
The Block's Liberty Paschke reveals her horrifying encounter with a magpie: 'I'm so scared'
Stock market today: Asian shares mixed after calm day on Wall St
Savanier scores sweet volley then gets red card as Montpellier beats Toulouse
Year after flip flop, NBC's Eddie Olczyk hopes he feels better about his Kentucky Derby pick
Year after flip flop, NBC's Eddie Olczyk hopes he feels better about his Kentucky Derby pick
Denmark to liberalize its abortion law to allow the procedure until 18th week of pregnancy
PrettyLittleThing billionaire Umar Kamani and new wife Nada host Disney
Floyd Mayweather gifts $30k to homeless men before Clippers