A New York City councilman is introducing legislation that will require landlords to provide free internet to tenants New York City.
Councilman Ben Kallos points to a CDC study that shows that households that have the internet in New York City have higher rates of coronavirus vaccinations. His bill would require landlords with 10 units or more to make sure tenants have free internet.
“People can use it for basic things. Whether it’s 3-1-1, applying for a job or during a pandemic, getting your vaccine. It’s basic internet. It would not cost more than 20 bucks a month.”
A landlord group called The Community Housing Improvement program calls the bill an unfunded mandate. About half a million homes in New York City have no internet access.