Bill > S0377

This bill establishes the "2025 Rhode Island Broadband Transparency and Consumer Protection Act," which aims to improve broadband infrastructure and service in Rhode Island by requiring Internet Service Providers (ISPs) to submit detailed data about their broadband services to the Rhode Island Commerce Corporation. The bill mandates the creation of a comprehensive, publicly accessible statewide broadband map that will show internet availability, speeds, technologies, and connection details for each broadband serviceable location. ISPs must report service outages affecting 100 or more customers, and the Commerce Corporation is tasked with collecting fees from providers to fund this data collection effort. Additionally, the bill requires the corporation to develop a plan within one year for creating a new broadband regulatory authority that would oversee planning, deployment, service quality, consumer protections, and equitable access. The legislation recognizes broadband as essential infrastructure for critical activities like healthcare, education, public safety, and government services, and seeks to ensure that Rhode Island's broadband services are reliable, secure, affordable, and accessible to all residents and businesses. The bill will take effect immediately upon passage and includes provisions for data confidentiality, transparency, and enforcement of reporting requirements.

Business and Industry

https://status.rilegislature.gov/