Broadband Mapping and Data

Rhode Island Legislators Take Aim at 16-Year-Old Broadband Law

Proposed measure would give the state new authority to collect independent data on speeds, outages, and provider performance.

Georgina Mackie

May 15, 2026 — 2 min read

Photo of Rhode Island state Rep. Michelle McGaw, D-Portsmouth.

May 15, 2026 – Rhode Island lawmakers are looking to overhaul a 2009 broadband law they say limits the state's ability to hold internet providers accountable for pricing, outages, and service quality.

The Rhode Island Broadband Oversight and Accountability Act would revise the state's Broadband Deployment and Investment Act and allow officials to collect broadband performance and availability data independently.

“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 Rep. Michelle McGaw, D-Portsmouth, who sponsored the bill in the House.

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Broadband Mapping and Data BEAD Rhode Island Linda Ujifusa Rhode Island Broadband Oversight and Accountability Act Broadband Deployment and Investment Act Rhode Island Commerce Corporation Michelle McGaw Cox Communications BroadbandNow Benton Institute for Broadband and Society

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September 15, 2026: Building a Better Connected City

Join SmartWAVE Technologies and Juganu for an engaging conversation about how smart street lighting can become the foundation for a more connected, intelligent, and resilient city.