FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler

Prepared Remarks of FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler: "A Time to Look Forward: Protecting What Americans Now Enjoy"

We are at a fork in that road. One path leads forward. The other leads back to re-litigating solutions that are demonstrably working. Looking forward is an era of Internet service providers operating responsibly at both the edge and the core network under light touch regulation accompanied by a referee on the field to throw the flag when necessary. Looking backward takes away existing protections and throws into question ISP expansion into edge activities...

If something is deserving of being called net neutrality, it must be Comprehensive, Continuing and Consistent:

  • Comprehensive: Limiting the definition of Net Neutrality to blocking, throttling and paid prioritization is an empty promise if it is not accompanied by the authority to comprehensively protect against the power of broadband gatekeepers, not just some of their conduct.
  • Continuing: We do not know how the Internet will evolve and ISPs will take advantage of new technology. A general conduct rule – which I've analogized to a referee on the field with the ability to throw a flag – captures conduct whether is it new or old, blatant or nuanced with ongoing regulatory oversight and the ability to act where necessary to prevent anti-consumer and anti-competitive practices.
  • Consistent: By this, I mean a consistent standard so that everyone - whether an ISP, a consumer, or an edge provider - knows the yardstick that will measure fairness. Since the time of the Interstate Commerce Act in 1887 there has been a consistent standard for judging carriers’ practices: are those practices just, reasonable, and not unreasonably discriminatory? These concepts have 130 years of jurisprudence behind them, and they have evolved to effectively address the incentives that network operators may otherwise have to exploit their position to the detriment of consumers or competition.

Passing legislation or adopting regulations without these key provisions and calling it net neutrality would be false advertising....

The activities of the last three-plus years – from ERate, to Lifeline, to rural broadband; from spectrum availability to 5G; from cyber protection to privacy and an open Internet – are the law of the land. We must not forget that the proposals being floated to change what has been done would take away benefits Americans now enjoy. It is time to keep moving forward. This is not the time to retreat and take things away.

Chairman Applauds Reps. Eshoo, Doyle for Their Leadership

I want to congratulate my friend Congresswoman Anna Eshoo on her outstanding legacy as Ranking Member of the Communications and Technology Subcommittee. We are in the early stages of a technology-driven network revolution, and Anna’s leadership during this critical stage in history has helped our country navigate the challenges of this new era. From ensuring that networks remain free and open, to advancing the cause of unlicensed spectrum, to advocating on behalf of competitors, Anna has left an indelible mark on US technology policy. It has been an honor to work with her.

Congressman Doyle has been a great leader on the vital telecommunications and tech issues facing our country. The Congressman has led the charge on issues from increasing broadband deployment, to keeping the Internet fast, fair and open, to ensuring that all regions of the country have access to modern and robust public safety communications systems. His constituents, the Committee, and consumers and innovators throughout our country are lucky to have such a strong voice as Congressman Doyle.

Confronting The Challenge Of A New Technological Era Is An American Tradition

[Commentary] The 2016 election has been described as a “change election.” It’s an apt description, but not for the reasons ascribed by political commentators. “Make America Great Again” became a surrogate for “Make me secure again amidst all this change.” Great swaths of the electorate sought stability in a world where everything seemed to be changing. Leading the way to that destabilization has been technological innovation. The digital world has gnawed away at the underpinnings of social and economic stability. From attacking traditional jobs, to ever-increasing prices for once-free television, to teenagers withdrawing into online worlds, technology has driven change that upset the security of tradition.

The story of how Americans responded when faced with previous transformational change is the true measure of American greatness. It is the story of fighting back when change is harmful, yet not allowing the frustration with change to turn into a rejection of its benefits. Most importantly, it is the story of new ideas attacking new problems. Like today, the technology revolution of the 19th century produced a longing for stability. But instead of retreating, Americans pushed forward to build a new security around new concepts. Universal education, employee rights, governmental offsets to abusive market power and other initiatives targeted the new problems. The result was the good old days many now long for. Confronting the challenge of a new technological era is an American tradition. Whether we are as successful at handling our revolution as those who preceded us will be the test of our generation. Dealing with change is not a retreat to what America was but the full-throated embrace of the opportunities created for new ideas directed at the new realities.

Chairman Wheeler's Response to Sen Flake (R-AZ) Regarding Broadband Privacy Rules

On Oct 13, 2016, Sen Jeff Flake (R-AZ) wrote to Federal Communications Commission Chairman Tom Wheeler regarding the FCC's proposed final privacy rules. Ultimately, Sen Flake asked Chairman Wheeler to postpone any final vote on the privacy Order due to differences between the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) and the completed Order. Sen Flake expressed concern that the FCC wsa not seeking additonal comment from stakeholders on the proposed broadband privacy rules.

On Dec 14, 2016, Chairman Wheeler responded by citing the FCC's rulemaking process, one that is "designed to give stakeholders and members of the public ample opportunity to engage in a transparent and vigorous discussion." Chairman Wheeler also responded to Sen Flake's concerns about the rules violating the First Amendment's protection of commercial speech, as well as the conern that including web browsing and app usage in the FCC's category of sensitive information is confusing for consumers and could crate an unfair advnatage fo restablished actors in the online-advertising marketplace. Chairman Wheeler noted, "the adopted rules do not prohibit broadband Internet access providers from using or sharing their customers' information -- they simply require broadband Internet access providers to ask for permission first."

Chairman Wheeler's Response to Sen Warner (D-VA) Regarding the Security of the Nations Networks

On Oct 25, 2016, Sen Mark Warner (D-VA) wrote to Federal Communications Commission Chairman Tom Wheeler to express his concern over the past few months of Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks. He submitted several questions about DDoS attacks, the security of the nation's networks, and the equipment and devices that attach to the networks to deliver integrated Internet-powered services to citizens and businesses. On Dec 2, 2016, Chairman Wheeler responded by assuring the Open Internet Order affirms ISPs' ability to take measures to protect the network. Chairman Wheeler recalled the efforts the FCC has taken, which has resulted in a rich body of recommendations, including voluntary best practices.

FCC Chairman Wheeler Announces His Plans To Step Down

Chairman Tom Wheeler, after more three years at the helm of the agency, announced he intends to leave the Federal Communications Commission on January 20, 2017. Chairman Wheeler issued the following statement:

“Serving as F.C.C. Chairman during this period of historic technological change has been the greatest honor of my professional life. I am deeply grateful to the President for giving me this opportunity. I am especially thankful to the talented Commission staff for their service and sacrifice during my tenure. Their achievements have contributed to a thriving communications sector, where robust investment and world-leading innovation continue to drive our economy and meaningful improvements in the lives of the American people. It has been a privilege to work with my fellow Commissioners to help protect consumers, strengthen public safety and cybersecurity, and ensure fast, fair and open networks for all Americans.”

Chairman Wheeler's Response to Sens Re: Stingray Cell Site Simulators

On Oct 7th, several Senators wrote to Federal Communications Commission Chairman Tom Wheeler regarding reports about state and local law enforcement's use of "cell site simulators" -- portable surveillance devices that collect cell phone identification and location information by mimicking cellphone towers, also known as "stingrays".

On Nov 23, Chairman Wheeler responded by discussing the conditions of cell site simulator (CSS) equipment authorizations. He wrote, "Each of our CSS equipment authorizations includes two important conditions. First, '[t]he marketing and sale of these devices shall be limited to federal, state, local public safety and law enforcement officials only.' Second, 'State and local law enforcement agencies must advance coordinate with the FBI the acquisition and use of the equipment authorized under this authorization.' Thus, our equipment authorization expressly contemplated that use of the equipment by state and local law enforcement would be under the auspices of the FBI. Notably, the implementation of these conditions does not mention nor did we require a nondisclosure agreement between a purchaser and the FBI."

Chairman Wheeler's Response to Sen Udall (D-NM) Regarding E-Rate Funding

On Oct 3, 2016, Sen Tom Udall (D-NM) wrote to Federal Communications Commission Chairman Tom Wheeler urging the FCC to, "take additional steps to close the 'homework gap,' the digital divide facing too many students from rural areas and low-income families in New Mexico and across the nation." He called on the FCC to, "use its existing authority to allow E-Rate to support school bus Wi-Fi service in a manner that is both technically feasibly and economically reasonable." Sen Udall added, "If the Commission does not believe that such an initiative is possible under its current authority, I will seek legislation to provide the flexibility to do so."

On Nov 17, Chairman Wheeler responded by discussing the FCC's recent E-rate Modernization Orders, the modernization of the Lifeline program, and recent Wireline Competition Bureau petitions that raise issues regarding eligibility of off-campus use of E-rate supported services for education purposes.

Improving Wireless Coverage in Rural America

At our November monthly meeting, the Federal Communications Commission will consider a series of items that could improve wireless coverage in rural areas across the country. This starts with a proposal to move forward with Phase II of the Mobility Fund. A top priority of Phase II is making sure investments are better targeted to expand and preserve 4G LTE coverage in areas where it would be unavailable absent universal service support, especially in rural areas. I am circulating proposed rules for Phase II of the Mobility Fund, which would leverage this new coverage data, allow for the targeted use of additional data to validate eligibility decisions, and use a competitive “reverse auction” bidding process to allocate more than $470 million in annual support to preserve and extend 4G LTE coverage. The proposal also sets minimum network performance and service requirements to make sure rural residents aren’t stuck with second-rate service. And in recognition of the distinct challenges in bringing connectivity to Tribal lands, the proposal would allocate a portion of the overall support specifically for qualifying Tribal lands and offer bidding credits for Tribally-owned and controlled providers.

Another effective tool to help enhance consumer choice for wireless service in rural areas is “roaming.” To compete in the mobile marketplace, carriers must be able to offer nationwide coverage. Roaming agreements have made it possible for smaller providers – particularly in rural areas – to do business. Furthermore, carriers are increasingly providing voice service using Voice-over-LTE (VoLTE), an evolution of voice service that involves transmitting voice calls using streams of data. This proposal would also classify VoLTE under the “just and reasonable” standard as with other voice calls. Our aim is to provide consumers with seamless access to service in all areas of the country, regardless of provider and regardless of how a particular voice call is delivered.

At our November meeting, the Commission will vote on my proposal to encourage innovation and investment in Business Data Services, which are used for wireless backhaul, while ensuring that lack of competition in some places cannot be used to hold back wireless coverage.

Rounding out our November meeting will be an Order to increase the availability of video-described programming and to make it easier to access. Whether its people with disabilities or the residents of our most isolated rural communities, the FCC is committed to making sure all Americans have access to modern communications. With these actions, we will once again advance the cause of universal access.

FCC poised to reinforce consumer rights and protections

[Commentary] If you are a consumer who feels like you're being taken advantage of, where do you turn for help? The Federal Communications Commission is the nation's expert agency on communications technology and has a mandate to protect consumers who rely on our nation's networks.

In recent years, the commission has moved aggressively to meet our consumer protection responsibilities, whether it's adopting net neutrality protections that preserve the right of internet users to access a fair, fast and open Internet without the fear of gatekeepers, or pushing the NFL to suspend its TV blackout policy. In the coming weeks, the commission is poised to take significant actions to further these obligations, saving consumers money and securing fundamental consumer rights for the digital age. Our core mission is two-fold: we work to promote innovation and investment in world-class networks, products and services, while preserving principles that have long defined our networks -- principles like universal access, consumer protection and public safety. I believe that policies that are pro-innovation and pro-competition are pro-consumer, which is why we work to preserve and promote competitive markets.

Chairman Wheeler's Response to Rep. Chabot Velazquez Regarding Privacy of Broadband Customers' Personal Information

On August 25, 2016, House Small Business Committee Chairman Steve Chabot (R-OH) and Ranking Member Nydia Velazquez (D-NY) wrote to Federal Communications Commission Chairman Tom Wheeler to express concern that the FCC's privacy proposals will result in rules that have a negative economic impact on small Broadband Internet Access Service (BIAS) providers.

On Oct 4, Chairman Wheeler responded by saying, "The Commission continues to engage in a regulatory flexibility analysis for this ongoing proceeding. When final rules are adopted, the Commission's decision will incorporate consideration of the impacts of the rules on small BIAS providers and will include a Final Regulatory Flexibility Analysis (FRFA) that fulfills the requirements of the Regulatory Flexibility Act. The comments submitted by the US Small Business Administration's Office of Advocacy will be addressed in the FRFA."

Improving Accessibility through Technology

[Commentary] Thirty million Americans have some type of cognitive disability. These individuals may experience difficulty in understanding or processing information, solving problems, or responding to stimuli. This includes individuals with intellectual disabilities, developmental disabilities, brain injuries, and learning disabilities. More than two decades after passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act, we are at an historic juncture in addressing the needs of this population. Today, digital technology offers us the greatest opportunity in history to use technology to attack challenges that have affected individuals since the beginning of time. It is our responsibility to do everything possible to seize this opportunity.

Protecting Privacy for Broadband Consumers

Earlier in 2016, the Federal Communications Commission launched a proceeding aiming to extend similar privacy protections to the information collected by your broadband provider. Our goal throughout the process has been straightforward: to give consumers the tools they need to make informed decisions about how ISPs use and share their data, and the confidence that ISPs are taking steps to keep that data secure, all while providing ISPs the flexibility they need to continue to innovate.

Over the past six months, we’ve engaged with consumer and public interest groups, fixed and mobile ISPs, advertisers, app and software developers, academics, other government actors including the FTC, and individual consumers to figure out the best approach. Based on the extensive feedback we’ve received, I am proposing new rules to provide consumers increased choice, transparency and security online. I have shared this proposal with my colleagues and the full Commission will consider these proposed privacy rules at our upcoming monthly meeting on October 27.

Under the proposed rules, an ISP would be required to notify consumers about what types of information they are collecting, specify how and for what purposes that information can be used and shared, and identify the types of entities with which the ISP shares the information. In addition, ISPs would be required to obtain affirmative “opt-in” consent before using or sharing sensitive information. Information that would be considered “sensitive” includes geo-location information, children’s information, health information, financial information, social security numbers, web browsing history, app usage history, and the content of communications such as the text of emails. All other individually identifiable information would be considered non-sensitive, and the use and sharing of that information would be subject to opt-out consent. Calibrating consent requirements to the sensitivity of the information aligns with consumer expectations and is in harmony with other key privacy frameworks and principles – including those outlined by the FTC and the Administration’s Consumer Privacy Bill of Rights. The proposed rules are designed to evolve with changing technologies, and would provide consumers with ways to easily adjust their privacy preferences over time.

The proposed rules also require ISPs to take reasonable measures to protect consumer data from breaches and other vulnerabilities. If a breach does occur, the rules would require ISPs to take appropriate steps to notify consumers that their data have been compromised.

Remarks of Chairman Wheeler at Coleman Institute conference on Cognitive Disabilities and Technology

I’d like to use my remarks to bring you up to speed on what we’re doing at the Federal Communications Commission to address the challenges of Americans with cognitive disabilities.

We are at a time when digital technology – Internet Protocol, or “IP” technology – offers the greatest opportunity in history to use technology to attack challenges that have affected individuals since the beginning of time – including the 30 million Americans with cognitive disabilities. We are at an historical juncture. If we don’t do everything possible to harness this marvelous new technology revolution to attack the challenges of individuals with disabilities, then shame on us. One of the most important things that needs to happen is that accessibility needs to be baked into the development of mainstream consumer electronics and services. I said it before, but it bears repeating, access to the wonders of technology must be a forethought, not an afterthought. The FCC’s Disability Rights Office has also taken an in-depth look at communications technologies for people with cognitive disabilities, noting accessibility barriers and delineating steps we can take to ensure that our policies eliminate them. Today, I am proud to announce the release of the Commission’s very first White Paper on cognitive disabilities which discusses these issues and presents solutions for accessible information and communication technologies. The paper identifies three primary barriers. First, the lack of accessibility; and second, economic barriers, resulting from the lower incomes that are prevalent in this population. But – and I’m sure this is no surprise to you – we found something else that appears to be preventing the full utilization of emerging communications technologies. That is the lack of outreach to people with cognitive disabilities and their support networks about both their rights to accessible technologies and the availability of some communications technologies that can already improve their daily lives in significant ways...So here’s the bottom line. This is our time to make a difference.

Seattle's Best

After spending the past three days in Seattle meeting with the heads of both world-leading companies and start-ups, I’m more bullish than ever about America’s future. If there were a central theme to the trip it was unlocking the potential of the next-generation of wireless technology – 5G. At the annual meeting of the Competitive Carriers Association, I spoke with network operators – large and small – about the development and deployment of fiber-fast wireless connectivity. The convention floor was filled with displays of how high-speed, high-capacity, low-latency networks could drive economic growth, especially in rural America. In a separate visit to T-Mobile’s headquarters, I saw a demonstration of technology under development, including 5G technologies, and heard about the work they are pursuing to bring next-generation products to market.

Remarks of Chairman Wheeler at Competitive Carriers Association

At the Federal Communications Commission, we’re pursuing an aggressive agenda to seize the opportunities of mobile for rural America. Not surprisingly, it starts with competition. Before the end of 2016, I plan to call on my fellow Commissioners to adopt a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking on the Commission’s data roaming framework. Tackling this issue will allow the Commission to provide greater certainty in the marketplace, and promote consumer benefits and competition.

While nurturing competition is always going to be option A for maximizing consumer benefits, that is not an option in many parts of the country. Indeed, many rural areas do not have access to robust rural broadband at all. The FCC has an affirmative responsibility to make sure all Americans have access to our nation’s critical communications networks. The Commission is working to move forward with Phase II of the Mobility Fund, by the end of 2016.

Chairman Wheeler Response to Sen Blumenthal, Markey Re: Consumer Safety and Privacy of Dedicated Short Range Communications Spectrum

On August 4, Sens Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and Ed Markey (D-MA) sent a letter to Federal Communications Commission Chairman Tom Wheeler regarding the safety and privacy of dedicated short range communications services (DSRC).

On Sept 7, Chairman Wheeler responded by saying that, "Due to the number of interrelated issues that are implicated by DSRC, the Commission intends to work closely with our partners at the Department of Transportation (DoT), the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), Department of Commerce and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to address the concerns raised in your letter. In this regard, the Commission is seeking comment on a petition requesting the adoption of service rules protecting the cybersecurity and privacy of DSRC users and that DSRC spectrum be reserved for vehicle safety use. Comments were due on August 25, 2016, and reply comments are due September 9,2016. Those comments, coupled with coordinated DoT and NHTSA activities, will inform our actions going forward."

Chairman Wheeler's Response to Sens Markey, Blumenthal, Franken, Warren, Leahy, Sanders and Baldwin Regarding Privacy of Broadband Customers' Personal Information

On July 7, Sens Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Ed Markey (D-MA), Al Franken (D-MN), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Patrick Leahy (D-VT), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), and Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) wrote a letter to Federal Communications Commission expressing support for the FCC's efforts to adopt privacy and data security rules protecting the privacy of broadband customers' personal information.

On Sept 7, Chairman Wheeler responded by writing, "As the Commission continues to examine the substantial record in the proceeding, I can assure you that we will carefully consider the important issues you raise in your letter to ensure our final rules provide consumers with the protections needed to consistently safeguard consumer data and to bolster consumer confidence in their use of these modem telecommunications networks."

Chairman Wheeler's Response to Senators Markey, Warren, Blumenthal and Reps. Eshoo and Doyle Regarding Business Data Services

On July 20, Sens Ed Markey (D-MA), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), and Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), and Reps Anna Eshoo (D-CA) and Michael Doyle (D-PA), wrote to federal Communications Commission Chairman Tom Wheeler to request that as the FCC completes its work on business data services reform that it also keeps in place an interim condition ensuring continued access to wholesale voice service.

On Sept 7, Chairman Wheeler responded by writing, "To provide greater certainty and clarity with respect to enterprise voice service, in August 2015 the Commission adopted the interim requirement that incumbent carriers seeking to discontinue legacy [time-division management] services and transition to an all-Internet Protocol environment must continue to provide commercial wholesale platform services at reasonably comparable rates, terms, and conditions. The Commission provided that this interim requirement will sunset when new business data services (BDS) rules and/or policies are effective. As you state and as the Commission recognized, BDS and wholesale voice are distinct services, but the Commission adopted this time limitation to provide a definitive point in the future at which it could reassess the efficacy and necessity of this interim requirement. The United States Telecom Association has challenged this interim requirement in court, and my staff is defending it vigorously. The Commission has an open rulemaking asking how we can best facilitate the continuation of commercial wholesale platform services used by competitive carriers for multilocation voice services. Staff is actively meeting with interested parties and reviewing submissions on this important issue."

FCC chairman: Here are the new proposed rules for set-top boxes

[Commentary] Earlier in 2016, the Federal Communications Commission launched a process to unlock the set-top-box marketplace. We were motivated by the desire to give consumers relief, but we were also mandated to take action by Congress and the law, which says that consumers should be able to choose their preferred device to access pay-TV programming. Over the past seven months, the Commission conducted an open proceeding where we heard from pay-TV providers, programmers, device and software manufacturers, consumers groups, and, most important, the American people. We listened.

Now, I am proposing rules that would end the set-top-box stranglehold. If adopted, consumers will no longer have to rent a set-top box, month after month. Instead, pay-TV providers will be required to provide apps – free of charge– that consumers can download to the device of their choosing to access all the programming and features they already paid for. If you want to watch Comcast’s content through your Apple TV or Roku, you can. If you want to watch DirectTV’s offerings through your Xbox, you can. If you want to pipe Verizon’s service directly to your smart TV, you can. And if you want to watch your current pay-TV package on your current set-top box, you can do that, too. The choice is yours. No longer will you be forced to rent set-top boxes from your pay-TV provider.

[Tom Wheeler is the 31st chairman of the Federal Communications Commission.]

Remarks of FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler, CTIA Super Mobility Show 2016, Las Vegas

“What do we need to do seize the 5G opportunity?” The answer, of course, starts with competition. With four nationwide carriers, the US wireless industry continues to invest in faster, better networks with $33 billion invested in 2015 and nearly $100 billion invested over the past 3 years. That’s over and above the investment of billions in spectrum acquisition. New services and applications are constantly being introduced and consumer demand seems insatiable. Wireless data use more than doubled from 2014 to 2015, and continued growth is projected for the foreseeable future.

There are three keys for what the Commission can do to help unlock the 5G opportunity: 1) ensuring ample availability of spectrum to a range of competitors; 2) taking all steps to foster competitive provision of infrastructure; and 3) removing unnecessary hurdles to siting. In all these areas, the Federal Communications Commission has activities underway. Yet, let’s be realistic, there is more to be done if 5G is to realize its promise.

Chairman Wheeler's Response to Senator Warren Regarding Privacy of Broadband Customers' Personal Information

On June 21, Sen Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) wrote to Federal Communications Commission Chairman Tom Wheeler to express her support for strong consumer privacy rules for broadband Internet access service.

On August 23, Chairman Wheeler replied saying, “I agree that privacy should not be a luxury good reserved only for the wealthy. In the Commission's broadband privacy proposal, we have sought comment on business practices that offer customers financial inducements, such as discounted service rates, for their consent to use and share their information. The record developed in this proceeding reflects widely disparate views on this issue. Some commenters argue that these business models unfairly disadvantage low-income or vulnerable populations. Other commenters maintain that consumers, including low-income consumers, stand to benefit from the use and sharing of their information and should be given the opportunity to make that choice. As the Commission continues to examine the substantial record in the proceeding, I can assure you that we will carefully consider the risks and benefits of adopting rules regarding such practices with particular attention to the effect of these business models on low-income consumers.”

FCC Chairman Wheeler's Response to Senator Schumer Regarding Implementation of Text to 911 and Next Generation 911

On June 27, Sen Charles Schumer (D-NY) wrote to Federal Communications Commission Chairman Tom Wheeler about emergency 911 services.

Sen Schumer wrote: “Recent events have demonstrated the need to access 911 dispatchers with more than traditional voice calls. In fact, during the Orlando shooting, many individuals were able to use their cell phones to text loved ones; however they were unable to text 911. The usefulness of an advanced 911 system in states where the technology exists demonstrates the substantial help it is for those with disabilities or in situations where initiating a voice call may be too dangerous. In areas where call centers experience high call volumes, 911 technologies like Next Generation (NG911), which supports voice, text, data, and video communication, can help overburdened emergency centers better handle their response.”

On August 23, Chairman Wheeler replied saying, “I agree that we collectively can do more to help the nation's PSAPs overcome the funding, planning, and operational challenges that are stalling the transition to NG911 , and I will continue to be an aggressive champion towards that end. In your letter, you urge the Commission to convene all the appropriate stakeholders to identify barriers to NG911 implementation and ways to speed up the process. We have already begun this task by convening our PSAP Task Force, which has brought together many of the nation's leading experts on 911 and NG911 , including practicing 911 professionals from state and local government, as well as representatives from public safety organizations, industry, consumer groups, and the federal government. Earlier this year, the Task Force issued a comprehensive report containing recommendations to help PSAPs migrate to Next Generation architecture, develop sustainable funding models, and provide cybersecurity protection to the 911 system as it transitions to IP-based technology. The Task Force is continuing to refine its recommendations and we are committed to working with all stakeholders to help implement them. In particular, we intend to expand our engagement to include local and state government leaders, including state legislators and governors, who are essential to making the NG911 transition happen in their states and communities.”

How Lucky We Are To Be Alive Right Now: Revisiting the Network Compact

In the hit Broadway musical Hamilton Eliza Schuyler sings, “Look around, look around at how lucky we are to be alive right now.” Eliza, of course, is talking about the American Revolution. We can feel the same way about the revolution we are living through. Our revolution is a network revolution.

Driven by ever-evolving technology, the networks that connect us are changing…and the patterns of commerce and culture that depend on those connections are changing as a result. This is a time of incredible opportunity and reshaping. It is a time of testing. To be a part of it is a privilege. Charlie Firestone has asked me to forecast what lies ahead for this revolution and the FCC. Today, we stand in the shadow of those Americans who lived through their own network revolution. Just as they were, we are challenged to make sense of the new network realities. That is our test at the FCC. For the past almost eight years, the FCC has sought to confront network change head-on; to harness the network revolution to encourage economic growth, while standing with those who use the network as consumers and innovators. In that regard, the history of the network experience that preceded us is not some curiosity, it is a compass. I think of the lessons of the past as a “back azimuth,” a concept familiar to navigators in which a landmark in the rear is used to inform the path forward. In the communications technology space, our back azimuth is what I call the Network Compact: the responsibilities of those who build and operate networks. There are five components of the Network Compact: access, interconnection, consumer protection, public safety, and national security.