For those that operate in an online world the idea of being without internet connection is somewhat terrifying. Even more so for digital natives that have never known life without the internet or smartphones.
The idea that households or businesses can operate without the internet seems foreign. But in some communities, it’s not a choice, it’s simply their reality. Without infrastructure, connectivity becomes unaffordable. Access to learning or employment opportunities remain out of reach.
For the past decade there have been promises of more affordable broadband, especially in more rural areas and underserved communities. Are these promises finally being fulfilled, or will the rising cost of living keep some communities disconnected?
What some states are doing differently
On its own initiative, New York State introduced affordable connectivity legislation in 2021 which came into effect in January 2025. It’s aimed at the big broadband players, mandating that if they have more than 20,000 subscribers, they have to implement a $15 per month package for download speeds of 25mbps or $20 per month for speeds of 200Mbps. These packages are aimed at eligible low-income households with the goal of lessening the digital divide and giving them access to employment, learning opportunities, and entertainment.
New York was the first, and other states are following. Massachusetts and California have similar plans in progress. Vermont has also initiated a similar policy. But it’s not without pushback. Not all ISPs like the idea of mandated affordable broadband. Apparently, they just want to be able to promise it, not actually be forced to offer it.
Before New York’s policy found its feet, ISPs filed an injunction preventing its progress. This was later appealed in court and overturned. It took three years to finally get the green light to be able to enact the policy. Now, AT&T have withdrawn from offering home-based broadband in New York State, claiming that it’s not feasible for them to do so if forced to offer cheaper packages. Comcast and Spectrum are two of the ISPs that are offering more affordable packages with other ISPs acknowledging that they plan to implement them. Others have gone the route of trying to get an exemption.
What’s affordable broadband really about?
It’s curious the industry response to mandated affordable pricing – How some see the opportunity in it, while others simply oppose it. Of course, profit is top of mind for many of the bigger players that have shareholders to report to. In a billion-dollar industry with positive growth, are margins really that tight that affordable pricing isn’t an option? Isn’t there some level of responsibility to contribute to upliftment of communities?
Maybe this reality is why there has been such slow progress in rolling out affordable broadband to rural and underserved communities. Everyone wants to say it’s going to happen, but crunch the numbers and then there’s every flavor of excuse as to why it should be delayed. If we operate in a modern world where connectivity is considered the norm, shouldn’t it be normal for everyone?
