Iowa House Bill HF2359

Iowa 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/7/24
• Refer: 2/7/24

Caption

A bill for an act relating to the advertised and delivered speeds of broadband services provided by communication service providers, and providing civil penalties.

Impact

The legislation will have substantial implications for state laws governing telecommunications and consumer protection. By requiring service providers to issue reports on service performance and provide refunds for unfulfilled service levels, HF2359 strengthens consumer rights and promotes greater transparency within the broadband industry. Additionally, the Attorney General will be empowered to enforce compliance with the bill, allowing for judicial recourse against non-compliant service providers, which creates a structured mechanism for enforcement and accountability in service delivery.

Summary

House File 2359 (HF2359) seeks to establish accountability and transparency in the broadband services industry. The bill mandates communications service providers to provide quarterly reports to customers detailing the maximum and actual download and upload speeds of their broadband services. It aims to ensure that consumers are informed about the level of service they are receiving compared to what was contracted by their provider. This measure is particularly designed to protect consumers from discrepancies in broadband service delivery, enhancing their awareness and rights regarding the services they pay for.

Contention

While HF2359 is primarily positioned as a consumer protection initiative, it may face contention from broadband providers who could argue that such regulations may impose undue burdens on their operations. Industry stakeholders may voice concerns about the feasibility and costs of implementing the required audits and refund processes. Furthermore, there may be debates regarding the extent to which state intervention is necessary in a rapidly evolving technology market, raising questions about the balance between regulation and innovation in broadband services.