New York forces T-Mobile to remove data caps on low-income plans

State finds company violated law

The Office of the Attorney General discovered that T-Mobile placed monthly data caps on its Affordable Broadband Act plans. Following a customer's consumption of 50GB, the firm reduced rates down to just 650 kilobits per second. This limit could occur in about four days of typical broadband use for eligible households. T-Mobile was also only offering these plans where it had 5G wireless deployed and blocked search engines from seeing plan details.

Law requires specific service standards

The Affordable Broadband Act sets requirements for offering service to low-income residents in New York. Qualifying homes need to buy internet service offering minimum speeds of 25 Mbps at a cost of $15 monthly or 200 Mbps for $20 each month. These low-cost options must be promoted by providers making reasonable efforts, free of extra taxes or equipment charges. T-Mobile agreed to remove caps and make plans available in all areas where it offers home internet service.

Company agrees to state demands

According to T-Mobile, the carrier possesses an extensive record of assisting New York residents with maintaining connectivity via affordable broadband services. The company said it is updating its plan to meet the state requirements while maintaining the same low price. New York Attorney General Letitia James stated that dependable internet access is essential for every resident of the state. Through the Affordable Broadband Act, she urged qualified locals to sign up for an inexpensive home internet service.