Woonsocket Radio News Room

Sen. Ujifusa, Rep. McGaw introduce bill modernizing outdated internet laws

 

STATE HOUSE – Sen. Linda L. Ujifusa and Rep. Michelle McGaw have introduced legislation to update Rhode Island’s 16-year-old broadband policy.

The new bill (2025-S 0377, 2025-H 5817) aims to improve transparency and accountability among internet service providers (ISPs) in the state.

“Both Representative McGaw and I have received numerous complaints from residents and business owners about lack of choice, poor service, high prices, slow speeds and frequent outages,” said Senator Ujifusa (D-Dist. 11, Portsmouth, Bristol).

Outdated Law and Lack of Oversight

Rhode Island’s law on internet service providers was enacted in 2009.

“I was shocked to learn how extensively this 16-year-old Rhode Island law restricts Rhode Island from implementing regulations, including management of fees, for internet service providers,” said Representative McGaw (D-Dist. 71, Portsmouth, Tiverton, Little Compton).

Senator Ujifusa added, “Apparently, the law was drafted to increase ISP competition and improve services, but given today’s unserved and underserved RI communities and the virtual monopoly Cox has in some areas, the law clearly needs revising.”

The Case for Regulation

In 2023, the federal government allocated $108.7 million to Rhode Island through the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program. This funding was meant to expand broadband access, with the Rhode Island Commerce Corporation designated to manage the distribution.

As part of the BEAD program, R.I. Commerce began a mapping process to identify unserved and underserved areas. Despite invitations, Cox did not engage in the public planning process or attend any of the meetings. In September 2024, however, Cox filed a lawsuit against R.I. Commerce, claiming the state’s broadband maps were inaccurate. In January 2025, the two parties resolved their dispute, but not before the lawsuit delayed broadband expansion efforts and cost the state significant resources.

Noted Senator Ujifusa, “Cox’s actions highlight the dangers of a system that allows ISPs to do whatever they want.”  Other states, such as California, New York, and Washington, have shown that ISP oversight can positively impact internet access, competition, service quality, reliability and affordability.

The Proposed Bill

The new legislation will allow the state to collect essential broadband data, including mapping internet availability, speeds, and service disruptions.

Said Representative McGaw, “This bill allows the Commerce Corporation to collect and use the data to recommend a regulatory framework that better meets the needs of the people and businesses of Rhode Island.”

Next Steps

Senator Ujifusa and Representative McGaw encourage Rhode Islanders to submit written testimony in support of the bill to:

  • Senate Corporations Committee: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
  • House Corporations Committee: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Subject: In support of 2025-S 0377, 2025-H 5817

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