The Rhode Island Broadband Development Program
The bill mandates the creation of a broadband council composed of 12 members from various sectors, including emergency management, education, and telecom industries. This council will be responsible for developing a comprehensive broadband strategy that addresses the needs of underserved communities and facilitates access to federal funding. The establishment of a broadband administrator within the Rhode Island Commerce Corporation will further coordinate efforts to obtain federal resources and technical support, addressing the lack of oversight historically seen in the state's broadband initiatives.
House Bill 7083 establishes the Rhode Island Broadband Development Program aimed at enhancing the state's broadband infrastructure. The bill recognizes the critical need for reliable, high-speed internet access as a fundamental utility in modern society, particularly in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, which underscored the importance of connectivity for education, healthcare, and public safety. It also emphasizes the necessity for a strategic plan that accommodates growing bandwidth demands, forecasting that requirements will double every three years.
Notable points of contention surrounding H7083 include concerns over equitable distribution of broadband services, especially in rural and underserved areas. While supporters believe the bill will bridge the digital divide, critics are wary of potential bureaucratic obstacles that may arise from establishing a new layer of governmental oversight. Furthermore, the concern that federal funding should be transparently allocated remains paramount, as community stakeholders push for equitable access to high-speed internet across all neighborhoods in Rhode Island.