Bill Sponsors
Ujifusa, Britto, Kallman, Acosta, McKenney, Gu, Sosnowski, Valverde, DiMario, and Mack
Committee
Senate Commerce
Summary
Select
This legislation fundamentally shifts Rhode Island's approach to internet governance by repealing laws that previously prevented the state from regulating internet-based services. It declares broadband to be essential infrastructure, comparable to utilities. The bill mandates that the Rhode Island Commerce Corporation collect detailed data from Internet Service Providers (ISPs) to create a public map of internet availability and speeds. It requires ISPs to report significant service outages and pay fees to fund these oversight activities. Additionally, it directs the state to develop a plan to establish a permanent "broadband regulatory authority" to oversee the industry.
Sponsor
Analysis
Pros for Progressives
- Formally recognizes broadband access as essential infrastructure necessary for healthcare, education, and housing, shifting away from a purely market-driven commodity view.
- Establishes a framework for a regulatory authority to hold Internet Service Providers accountable, potentially leading to better consumer protections and service standards.
- Mandates data collection to identify underserved and unserved areas, which is a critical first step in addressing the digital divide and ensuring equity for low-income communities.
Cons for Progressives
- The costs of the administrative fees imposed on Internet Service Providers will likely be passed down to consumers, potentially raising monthly bills for those already struggling to afford access.
- Relies heavily on the Rhode Island Commerce Corporation rather than an independent consumer protection board, which may result in business interests taking precedence over social welfare.
- Does not immediately enact net neutrality protections or price controls, deferring actual regulation to a future plan that must still be approved.
Pros for Conservatives
- Requires accurate mapping of broadband infrastructure, which is necessary for businesses to operate efficiently and allows for better targeting of economic development efforts.
- Mandates transparency regarding service outages, ensuring that paying customers and businesses are informed when services they contract for are not delivered.
- Includes specific provisions to protect corporate trade secrets and proprietary data submitted during the mapping process.
Cons for Conservatives
- Repeals existing protections that prevented the state from regulating VoIP and internet services, opening the door to heavy-handed government interference in the free market.
- Imposes new fees on private businesses (ISPs) based on their revenue, which functions as a hidden tax on the telecommunications industry and consumers.
- Expands the size of government by mandating the creation of a plan for a new "broadband regulatory authority," increasing bureaucracy and administrative costs.
Constitutional Concerns
None Likely
Impact Overview
Groups Affected
- Internet Service Providers (ISPs)
- Broadband Consumers
- Remote Workers
- Business Owners
- Students
Towns Affected
All
Cost to Taxpayers
None
Revenue Generated
Amount unknown: Fees from Internet Service Providers
BillBuddy Impact Ratings
Importance
Measures population affected and overall level of impact.
Freedom Impact
Level of individual freedom impacted by the bill.
Public Services
How much the bill is likely to impact one or more public services.
Regulatory
Estimated regulatory burden imposed on the subject(s) of the bill.
Clarity of Bill Language
How clear the language of the bill is. Higher ambiguity equals a lower score.
Enforcement Provisions
Measures enforcement provisions and penalties for non-compliance (if applicable).
Environmental Impact
Impact the bill will have on the environment, positive or negative.
Privacy Impact
Impact the bill is likely to have on the privacy of individuals.
Bill Status
Current Status
Held
Comm Passed
Floor Passed
Law
History
• 01/09/2026 Introduced, referred to Senate Commerce
• 01/13/2026 Withdrawn at sponsor's request
• 01/13/2026 Withdrawn at sponsor's request
Bill Text
SECTION 1. Sections 39-28-1 and 39-28-2 of the General Laws in Chapter 39-28 entitled "Broadband Deployment and Investment Act" are hereby amended to read as follows:
39-28-1. Findings.
The Rhode Island general assembly finds that growth and enhancement of services using internet protocol technology provide Rhode Island consumers more choice in voice, data, and video services than at any other time. The proliferation of new technologies and applications and the growing number of providers developing and offering innovative services using internet protocol are due in large part to little barrier to investment, including freedom from state laws and regulations governing traditional telephone service, that these technologies have enjoyed in Rhode Island, as well as recognition that federal law is more uniform in its oversight of internet protocol- enabled services. The economic benefits, including consumer choice, new jobs, and significant capital investment, will be jeopardized and competition minimized by the imposition of traditional state entry, rate, and service-term regulation on voice over internet protocol service and internet protocol-enabled service The general assembly finds that the broadband infrastructure which delivers Internet connectivity has become essential for the social, physical, and economic well- being of all Rhode Islanders. This infrastructure enables critical activities and services across numerous sectors that society depends upon including, but not limited to: food delivery, finding housing, providing healthcare, education, environmental monitoring, public safety, energy monitoring, financial services, operating businesses, and government services. The general assembly must ensure broadband services in Rhode Island are reliable, secure, affordable, accessible, and robust for all residents and businesses alike. In order to meet this objective, information must continue to be collected, analyzed, made publicly available, and used to plan and implement policies that effectively protect and seek to improve broadband service in Rhode Island, including creation of a broadband regulatory authority.
39-28-2. Definitions.
For the purpose of this chapter, the following terms shall have the following meanings:
(1)“Voice over internet protocol service” or “VoIP service” means any service that:
(i) Enables real-time, two-way voice communications that originate from or terminate at the user’s location in internet protocol or any successor protocol;
(ii) Uses a broadband connection from the user’s location; and
(iii) Permits users generally to receive calls that originate on the public switched telephone network and to terminate calls to the public switched telephone network.
"Broadband" means high-speed Internet access that provides a continuous, reliable connection currently defined by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). Broadband can be delivered through technologies such as optical fiber, coaxial cable, fixed wireless, satellite, or cellular networks.
(2)“Internet protocol-enabled service” or “IP-enabled service” means any service, capability, functionality, or application provided, except that as provided in subsection (1), using internet protocol, or any successor protocol, that enables an end-user to send or receive a communication in internet protocol format or any successor format.
"Internet" means a global network of interconnected computer systems and servers that communicate using Internet protocol (IP) or its successors, enabling the transmission of data, voice, video, and multimedia content. It supports a wide variety of services, including web browsing, email, file sharing, voice over Internet protocol (VoIP), streaming, messaging, and other digital communications and content access.
SECTION 2. Sections 39-28-3, 39-28-4, 39-28-5 and 39-28-6 of the General Laws in Chapter 39-28 entitled "Broadband Deployment and Investment Act" are hereby repealed.
39-28-3. Regulation.
Notwithstanding any general or public law to the contrary, and with the exception of the provisions of § 39-28-4, no department, agency, commission, or political subdivision of Rhode Island shall enact, adopt, or enforce, either directly or indirectly, any law, rule, regulation, ordinance, standard, order, or other provision having the force or effect of law that regulates, or has LC003257 - Page 2 of 6 the effect of regulating, the entry, rates, terms, or conditions of VoIP service or IP-enabled service.
39-28-4. Unaffected fees.
Nothing in this act shall be construed to affect, mandate, or prohibit the assessment of nondiscriminatory enhanced 911 fees, telecommunications relay service fees, or the telecommunications education access fund surcharge under § 39-1-61.
39-28-5. Rights or obligations of carriers.
Nothing in this act shall be construed to modify or affect the rights or obligations of any carrier pursuant to 47 U.S.C. § 251 or 47 U.S.C. § 252.
39-28-6. Effect on tax obligations or authority.
Nothing in this act shall be construed to modify or affect any tax obligations imposed by § 44-13-4 or the authority of the department of revenue to enforce any such obligations.
SECTION 3. Chapter 42-64 of the General Laws entitled "Rhode Island Commerce Corporation" is hereby amended by adding thereto the following section:
42-64-43. Corporation requirements.
The commerce corporation (“corporation”) shall implement the following requirements.
(1) Data collection and mapping.
(i) Each Internet service provider (ISP) providing service in Rhode Island shall submit information to the commerce corporation, in a form and manner prescribed by the corporation, to support the maintenance of a statewide broadband map, which shall include for each broadband serviceable location (BSL), by geographic area served by a provider in Rhode Island:
(A) Maximum advertised download and upload speeds;
(B) Type of transmission technology used to provide the service such as fiber, cable, DSL, satellite; and
(C) The number of broadband connections and consumer subscriptions for each combination of advertised download and upload speeds and transmission technology.
(ii) In consultation with other state agencies as deemed appropriate, the corporation shall develop and maintain an up-to-date broadband map that shows the availability and adoption of broadband services across the state. This map shall include data on download and upload speeds available to each BSL and shall be regularly updated to reflect changes in broadband service availability, technology, and consumer adoption. The corporation shall use credible and relevant data provided by broadband providers, state agencies, political subdivisions of the state, speed tests, and other third parties, including consumers, in the development and maintenance of the map.
(iii) The corporation shall use the broadband map to identify underserved and unserved areas of the state and to facilitate planning and implementation of broadband programs and LC003257 - Page 3 of 6 initiatives.
(iv) The corporation shall use the data collected to provide guidance to broadband providers seeking to expand services in underserved and unserved areas and shall collaborate with state and local authorities to remove barriers to broadband infrastructure development.
(v) All state agencies and political subdivisions of the state shall provide any information requested by the corporation to assist in the development and maintenance of the broadband map and other work authorized by this section.
(2) With regard to confidentiality and protection of trade secrets, any information submitted by private parties may be submitted in aggregated form necessary to protect confidentiality, and shall be protected as required by the provisions of chapter 48.1 of title 6 (the Rhode Island data transparency and privacy protection act). Information claimed to be a “trade secret” by private parties shall meet requirements set forth in chapter 41 of title 6 (the uniform trade secrets act).
(3) With regard to transparency, on or before December 1, 2026, and annually thereafter, the corporation shall update and publish the broadband map on its official website. The map shall be accessible to the public and include detailed information on broadband availability, speeds, transmission technology, and adoption rates across Rhode Island.
(i) Internet service providers (“ISPs”) shall report to the Rhode Island commerce corporation within forty-eight (48) hours of the occurrence and keep a five (5) year record of service outages affecting one hundred (100) or more customers or lasting four (4) or more hours. These reports and records shall include: cause (if known), affected areas, number of customers, restoration time, mitigation, and consumer compensation.
(ii) The corporation shall publish a summary of outage data annually on its website.
(4) With regard to a regulatory plan, within one year from the effective date of this section, the corporation shall develop and submit a detailed plan to the governor and the general assembly regarding the creation of a broadband regulatory authority. The plan shall include, but not be limited to, the following components:
(i) The mission, authority, and responsibilities of the regulatory agency, which shall include oversight of broadband planning, deployment, service quality, consumer protections, and equitable access;
(ii) Recommendations for the organizational structure and staffing of the agency;
(iii) A framework for collaboration between the corporation and other state, local, and federal entities involved in broadband expansion and regulation;
(iv) Proposed funding mechanisms to support the agency’s operations and activities; and
(v) A timeline for the establishment of the agency, including any legislative actions LC003257 - Page 4 of 6 necessary for its formation.
(5) With regard to funding, to fund the data collection and other activities required under this section, the corporation shall collect fees from ISPs operating in Rhode Island. The amount of the fee shall be determined by the corporation based on the total cost of administering this program. Each ISP shall pay a fee proportional to the revenue it generates from providing broadband services to customers in Rhode Island. Fees shall be due within sixty (60) days of notification by the corporation.
(6) With regard to enforcement, failure to submit accurate or timely data or fees as required by this section shall be subject to penalties, including fines, determined by the corporation, suspension of participation in state grant programs, and restrictions on future projects supported by state funding.
(7) The corporation shall promulgate rules and regulations as it deems necessary for the implementation of this section.
(8) If any subsection or provision of this section shall be determined to be invalid or unconstitutional, the remaining provisions and subsections shall be deemed severable and shall remain in full force and effect.
SECTION 4. This act shall take effect upon passage.
39-28-1. Findings.
39-28-2. Definitions.
For the purpose of this chapter, the following terms shall have the following meanings:
(1)
"Broadband" means high-speed Internet access that provides a continuous, reliable connection currently defined by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). Broadband can be delivered through technologies such as optical fiber, coaxial cable, fixed wireless, satellite, or cellular networks.
(2)
"Internet" means a global network of interconnected computer systems and servers that communicate using Internet protocol (IP) or its successors, enabling the transmission of data, voice, video, and multimedia content. It supports a wide variety of services, including web browsing, email, file sharing, voice over Internet protocol (VoIP), streaming, messaging, and other digital communications and content access.
SECTION 2. Sections 39-28-3, 39-28-4, 39-28-5 and 39-28-6 of the General Laws in Chapter 39-28 entitled "Broadband Deployment and Investment Act" are hereby repealed.
SECTION 3. Chapter 42-64 of the General Laws entitled "Rhode Island Commerce Corporation" is hereby amended by adding thereto the following section:
42-64-43. Corporation requirements.
The commerce corporation (“corporation”) shall implement the following requirements.
(1) Data collection and mapping.
(i) Each Internet service provider (ISP) providing service in Rhode Island shall submit information to the commerce corporation, in a form and manner prescribed by the corporation, to support the maintenance of a statewide broadband map, which shall include for each broadband serviceable location (BSL), by geographic area served by a provider in Rhode Island:
(A) Maximum advertised download and upload speeds;
(B) Type of transmission technology used to provide the service such as fiber, cable, DSL, satellite; and
(C) The number of broadband connections and consumer subscriptions for each combination of advertised download and upload speeds and transmission technology.
(ii) In consultation with other state agencies as deemed appropriate, the corporation shall develop and maintain an up-to-date broadband map that shows the availability and adoption of broadband services across the state. This map shall include data on download and upload speeds available to each BSL and shall be regularly updated to reflect changes in broadband service availability, technology, and consumer adoption. The corporation shall use credible and relevant data provided by broadband providers, state agencies, political subdivisions of the state, speed tests, and other third parties, including consumers, in the development and maintenance of the map.
(iii) The corporation shall use the broadband map to identify underserved and unserved areas of the state and to facilitate planning and implementation of broadband programs and LC003257 - Page 3 of 6 initiatives.
(iv) The corporation shall use the data collected to provide guidance to broadband providers seeking to expand services in underserved and unserved areas and shall collaborate with state and local authorities to remove barriers to broadband infrastructure development.
(v) All state agencies and political subdivisions of the state shall provide any information requested by the corporation to assist in the development and maintenance of the broadband map and other work authorized by this section.
(2) With regard to confidentiality and protection of trade secrets, any information submitted by private parties may be submitted in aggregated form necessary to protect confidentiality, and shall be protected as required by the provisions of chapter 48.1 of title 6 (the Rhode Island data transparency and privacy protection act). Information claimed to be a “trade secret” by private parties shall meet requirements set forth in chapter 41 of title 6 (the uniform trade secrets act).
(3) With regard to transparency, on or before December 1, 2026, and annually thereafter, the corporation shall update and publish the broadband map on its official website. The map shall be accessible to the public and include detailed information on broadband availability, speeds, transmission technology, and adoption rates across Rhode Island.
(i) Internet service providers (“ISPs”) shall report to the Rhode Island commerce corporation within forty-eight (48) hours of the occurrence and keep a five (5) year record of service outages affecting one hundred (100) or more customers or lasting four (4) or more hours. These reports and records shall include: cause (if known), affected areas, number of customers, restoration time, mitigation, and consumer compensation.
(ii) The corporation shall publish a summary of outage data annually on its website.
(4) With regard to a regulatory plan, within one year from the effective date of this section, the corporation shall develop and submit a detailed plan to the governor and the general assembly regarding the creation of a broadband regulatory authority. The plan shall include, but not be limited to, the following components:
(i) The mission, authority, and responsibilities of the regulatory agency, which shall include oversight of broadband planning, deployment, service quality, consumer protections, and equitable access;
(ii) Recommendations for the organizational structure and staffing of the agency;
(iii) A framework for collaboration between the corporation and other state, local, and federal entities involved in broadband expansion and regulation;
(iv) Proposed funding mechanisms to support the agency’s operations and activities; and
(v) A timeline for the establishment of the agency, including any legislative actions LC003257 - Page 4 of 6 necessary for its formation.
(5) With regard to funding, to fund the data collection and other activities required under this section, the corporation shall collect fees from ISPs operating in Rhode Island. The amount of the fee shall be determined by the corporation based on the total cost of administering this program. Each ISP shall pay a fee proportional to the revenue it generates from providing broadband services to customers in Rhode Island. Fees shall be due within sixty (60) days of notification by the corporation.
(6) With regard to enforcement, failure to submit accurate or timely data or fees as required by this section shall be subject to penalties, including fines, determined by the corporation, suspension of participation in state grant programs, and restrictions on future projects supported by state funding.
(7) The corporation shall promulgate rules and regulations as it deems necessary for the implementation of this section.
(8) If any subsection or provision of this section shall be determined to be invalid or unconstitutional, the remaining provisions and subsections shall be deemed severable and shall remain in full force and effect.
SECTION 4. This act shall take effect upon passage.