Gov Lamont Proposal Would Raise the Bar for Broadband

Gov Ned Lamont (D-CT) is proposing to give the state's regulators greater control over broadband internet providers to further his administration’s goal of ensuring universal access to high-speed internet by 2027. Under this proposal, the state’s Public Utilities Regulatory Authority, or PURA, would have oversight over the handling of consumer complaints, could order expansions of infrastructure, and regulate the general operation of the providers, which, in Connecticut include, Xfinity/Comcast and Frontier. Unlike with other utilities regulated by PURA, however, federal law does not allow states to regulate the cost of broadband — meaning that any additional investments or changes ordered by state regulators could be passed along directly to consumers. State Rep. David Arconti (D-Danbury), co-chair of the Energy and Technology Committee, raised concerns that the additional oversight would have the unintended consequence of raising customer rates.