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 McGaw introduce bill modernizing outdated internet laws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Outdated Law and Lack of Oversight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

President Trump says the tariffs imposed on other countries are having the desired effect, and he's now open to negotiations. Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, Trump said his initial tariff plan is over, and he's watching it settle in. He said every country has called, asking to cut a trade deal with the U.S. to avoid the tariffs.        Stocks are closing sharply lower one day after President Trump announced sweeping global tariffs. The S&P 500 had its worse day since 2020 as the White House announced a baseline tariff rate of ten-percent against most countries yesterday that will go into effect on Saturday. At the closing bell, the Dow Jones Industrial Average fell by 16-79 to 40-545. The S&P 500 lost 274 points to 53-96. The Nasdaq lost 10-50 points to 16-550.        A multi-day severe weather event is unfolding for more than 55-million people. It comes after at least seven people were killed in the South Central U.S. after storms that included several tornadoes hit the region yesterday. Tonight, there is still a tornado threat for the same areas, but forecasters warn there could also be potentially catastrophic flooding in the Mid-South and Midwest.        The Federal Aviation Administration is offering more support to air traffic controllers at Reagan National Airport. The Critical Incident Stress Management team will be meeting with airport personnel sometime early this month. The FAA is also reviewing the arrival rate at the airport and will conduct regular wellness checks.        The Senate has confirmed Dr. Mehmet Oz as administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. The television personality was confirmed on a party-line vote of 53-45. Oz now assumes a role that provides health insurance to roughly 160 million Americans.        Steven Spielberg and George Lucas top the latest Forbes list of celebrity billionaires. The latest Forbes ranking of the world's wealthiest people includes 18 celebrities, with film director Steven Spielberg topping the list at five-point-three-billion dollars. Star Wars creator George Lucas is in second place with a net worth of five-point-one-billion dollars.       

Old News Archives