|
|
5/18/2026
|
McGaw, Ujifusa sponsor Broadband Oversight and Accountability Act
|
STATE HOUSE – Working from home. Accessing and completing school assignments. Telehealth appointments.
In 2026, so many aspects of everyday life are dependent upon reliable, fast internet access. And yet it remains a utility that is not only unregulated in Rhode Island — there is a state law prohibiting such regulation.
Rep. Michelle McGaw and Sen. Linda L. Ujifusa are pushing to correct this situation with a bill that would repeal that law and replace it with one that sets the stage for the establishment of a broadband oversight authority to address statewide planning, deployment coordination, performance monitoring, consumer concerns and equitable access to broadband.
“Rhode Island is one of only two states — along with Mississippi — that don’t have any standing state commission or board that oversees broadband development, maintenance and access. Our state’s involvement is limited to merely hoping that the industry responds to our needs, rather than just its own potential for profit. That’s not a strategy for ensuring that all Rhode Islanders have access to a critical utility,” said Representative McGaw (D-Dist. 71, Portsmouth, Tiverton, Little Compton). “We need a body that works on behalf of all Rhode Islanders, because reliable internet service is a necessity for every household as well as a critical component for economic development.”
Said Senator Ujifusa (D-Dist. 11, Portsmouth, Bristol), “Broadband is too essential to leave unregulated. Because of its high infrastructure costs, there’s little incentive for providers to serve less-profitable areas, so the free market approach leaves many households, businesses and whole neighborhoods behind. Particularly given the fact that our state has received millions in federal dollars to expand broadband access, it is imperative that there is public oversight and transparency over the industry.”
The legislation (2026-H 7333, 2026-S 2345) directs the Rhode Island Commerce Corporation to develop a detailed plan regarding the creation of a broadband oversight authority or similar structure, within one year of the bill’s passage. The plan must include recommendations for the authority’s mission, powers and responsibilities, including for broadband planning, deployment coordination, performance monitoring, consumer concerns and equitable access. The plan should also address funding mechanisms to support the authority’s operations, and a framework for collaborating with state, local, and federal entities involved in broadband deployment or oversight.
Rhode Island established a Broadband Advisory Council through legislation enacted in 2022, but that council can only provide recommendations and input to Commerce. It does not have regulatory authority.
In fact, a law enacted 17 years ago prohibited the state from regulating the entry, rates, terms or conditions of internet service. Senator Ujifusa and Representative McGaw’s bill repeals that prohibition.
“I don’t know of any other industry that benefits from a state law prohibiting regulation. Other utilities and services are regulated to ensure safety, fair access and consumer protection. Something as important as broadband should certainly not be exempt from regulation and oversight. This legislation will empower the state to better plan infrastructure and to take action when some areas or sectors are being left out or underserved by the industry,” said Representative McGaw.
Said Senator Ujifusa, “Having a permanent authority would serve the state’s economic development efforts well, since high-speed internet access is critical to so many businesses. It could also better position the state to qualify for additional federal money, such as rural health funds that can be used to improve access to telehealth. Broadband access affects virtually every area of life today, so it demands the oversight this bill provides.”
For more information, contact:
Meredyth R. Whitty, Publicist
State House Room 20
Providence, RI 02903
(401) 222-1923
|
|