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Telecoms trade groups sued over the law, arguing it would cost them too much money and that it wrongly superseded a federal law that governs internet service.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.
China nurtures unicorn enterprises via sci
Hawaii Supreme Court chides state's legal moves on water after deadly Maui wildfire
Watch Ryan Garcia get into an X
Croatia's top court rules President Milanović cannot be prime minister because of campaign
Coach Amorim vows to stay with Sporting Lisbon after winning another Portuguese league
A man gets 19 years for a downtown St. Louis crash that cost a teen volleyball player her legs
Jimmy Carr sparks speculation he may have become a father for the second time
Indianapolis official La Keisha Jackson to fill role of late state Sen. Jean Breaux
An appeals court dismisses charges against a Michigan election worker who downloaded a voter list
Coach Amorim vows to stay with Sporting Lisbon after winning another Portuguese league
For the world's largest democratic exercise, one village's polling officers are all women