PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — The Rhode Island Commerce Corporation has responded to a lawsuit filed against them by Cox Communications regarding federal funds allocated for broadband infrastructure. RI Commerce stated that Cox declined engagement in the public planning process on how to spend the $108.7 million in BEAD (Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment) funds. Commerce also claims that Cox did not share its network map information during the 90-day map challenge process. The statement goes on to claim that Cox’s lawsuit is an attempt to prevent the funds from being awarded to other internet providers. Cox’s lawsuit stems from its claims that RI Commerce’s mapping process will only bolster internet service in already wealthy regions of Rhode Island to the detriment of lower-income areas. “And, contrary to Cox’s assertions, parts of the state are indeed unserved or underserved, including areas that Cox claims are affluent,” said the statement. “Whether an area is affluent or not has no bearing on the type of broadband service that is —or is not—available in that area.” Categories: News, Rhode Island