NY S05696

Establishes the Public Service Commission's authority to study availability, affordability, and reliability of high-speed internet and broadband services throughout New York State.

Requires the Commission to assess competition levels among providers, identify regulatory barriers, review technology solutions for underserved/unserved areas, and identify non-compliance with franchise agreements and legal settlements related to internet access.

Mandates the Commission create and maintain a detailed internet access map showing download/upload speeds, service types, number of providers, pricing, and reliability metrics for each location.

Requires the Commission to submit initial findings and recommendations within one year of the bill's effective date, with annual updates thereafter, and to hold at least four regional public hearings within the first year.

Defines "served" as locations with at least two internet service providers with high-speed service (100+ mbps download, 10+ mbps upload), "underserved" as fewer than two providers or speeds between 25-100 mbps download, and "unserved" as lacking service at 25 mbps or above.