Carr Hails Draft Broadband Report; PK Urges Release of Item or Fact Sheet Before Vote
FCC Commissioner Brendan Carr welcomed a draft broadband report under a Telecom Act Section 706 mandate, while Public Knowledge was critical and called for releasing the item or more details before a vote. That continued the mixed initial reaction (see…
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1902200057). The draft, which finds advanced telecom capability is being adequately deployed nationwide, shows "the FCC’s policies are working," Carr said in an emailed statement. "Internet speeds are up, prices are down, and more Americans were connected with fixed, high-speed broadband last year than at any point in history." He said he's "incredibly proud of the work America’s telecom crews are doing," "glad this FCC is making it easier for next-gen broadband infrastructure to be built," and looks forward "to building on these positive results.” But Alisa Valentin, a PK communications justice fellow, disputed the FCC narrative "that the agency has 'substantially narrowed' the digital divide." It "fails to match up with the stories we hear from those who live in rural areas or who experience digital redlining in urban communities," she emailed. "If the FCC is going to make sweeping claims like this one, it should release either the report or a detailed fact sheet before the full Commission votes on it. Rural Americans have a right to know how the FCC can justify a conclusion that doesn't reflect their reality." The FCC faced a Feb. 5 deadline for issuing the report but was delayed due to the government shutdown. Chairman Ajit Pai, who Thursday highlighted his planned votes for a March 15 commissioners' meeting (see 1902210048), circulated the draft report Tuesday (see 1902190057). He could put it on a March 8 agenda for the meeting if it hasn't been released by then. Commissioner Jessica Rosenworcel criticized the draft Tuesday. Other commissioners didn't comment.