Rhode Island debates future of high-speed internet, as many lack access

 A recent report shows 42% of Rhode Islanders don’t have access to high-speed internet based on federal guidelines, spurring debate among policymakers and advocates over the future of broadband infrastructure. The January report by the Greater Newport Chamber of Commerce comes as the state prepares to receive roughly $200 million from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and other federal funds to improve broadband infrastructure and access. But state lawmakers and private broadband providers disagree about how that money should be spent.