Bill > H75

This bill aims to improve broadband internet and Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) services in Massachusetts by establishing comprehensive oversight and consumer protections. The bill recognizes high-speed internet as essential for economic, educational, and civic participation, and creates new regulatory powers for the state's department to ensure broadband quality, reliability, and resiliency. Specifically, the department will have jurisdiction to establish and enforce standards for internet service providers, including requirements for network infrastructure, emergency preparedness, power backup, and reporting. Internet service providers must now offer customers a $10 credit or pro-rata refund for service outages lasting three minutes or longer, and must display a consumer label at the point of sale that provides transparent information about pricing, performance, network management, data allowances, and privacy policies. The department is mandated to conduct evaluations and audits of service providers, can order remedial actions for substandard services, and must submit an annual report to the legislature detailing progress in improving broadband and VoIP services. This comprehensive approach seeks to address gaps in broadband availability by focusing on deployment, affordability, and ensuring high-quality, reliable internet access across Massachusetts.

Budget and Finance, Business and Industry

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H75