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SD 1200

An Act preserving broadband service for low-income consumers

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Jo Comerford and 3 co-sponsors

Massachusetts bill establishing affordability protections and service continuity requirements for low-income broadband consumers to ensure essential internet access.

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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SD 1200

Legislative bill overview

SD 1200 aims to protect affordable broadband access for low-income Massachusetts residents by establishing affordability standards and consumer protections for internet service providers. The bill appears designed to prevent service disconnections and rate increases that disproportionately affect vulnerable populations who depend on broadband for essential services like education, healthcare, and employment.

Why is this important

Broadband has become essential infrastructure for participating in modern society, yet low-income households face significant barriers to consistent access. Disconnections or unaffordable rates can exclude families from remote work opportunities, online education, telemedicine, and government services, widening economic and educational inequality.

Potential points of contention

  • ISP operational costs: Internet service providers may argue that affordability mandates constrain their ability to invest in network infrastructure, maintain service quality, or remain profitable in less densely populated areas
  • Definition and enforcement: The bill's specific affordability thresholds, income qualification criteria, and enforcement mechanisms could be contentious—questions about who qualifies and how providers verify eligibility
  • Scope of coverage: Debate over whether protections apply to all providers or only those receiving public subsidies, and whether wireless broadband should be treated identically to fixed-line service

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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