NY PSC Dismisses AT&T's Withdrawal of Fixed Wireless Service
AT&T’s move to withdraw its fixed wireless service offering from New York after the state's 2021 Affordable Broadband Act took effect "was its own decision," a New York Public Service Commission spokesperson said in an email Tuesday (see 2412160039). Moreover, the "state’s largest broadband providers have opted to continue to do business" in New York, the spokesperson added.
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An AT&T spokesperson emailed: "While we are committed to providing reliable and affordable internet service to customers across the country, New York’s broadband law imposes harmful rate regulations that make it uneconomical for AT&T to invest in and expand our broadband infrastructure in the state." AT&T pulled its Internet Air service as of Jan. 15, the day the broadband affordability program went into effect. New York PSC Chair Rory Christian issued an order last week warning providers of a $1,000 fine per violation of the act and identifying companies that are temporarily exempt from the law.
AT&T customers will continue receiving service for up to 45 days at no charge as they seek other providers, the company spokesperson said. "We will work closely with our customers throughout this transition," noting that the state is outside AT&T's wireline service footprint, "so we do not have any other home internet options available." Its nationwide wireless service will not change in New York. "We will continue to support policies that promote capital investment, innovation and a competitive market."