Remarks by FCC Commissioner Clyburn at Federal Communications Bar Association

Commissioner Mignon Clyburn of the Federal Communications Commission, in a speech at the Federal Communications Bar Association said, "We must double-down on our efforts, to ensure that affordable broadband is available to everyone. The FCC has done a valiant job reforming the majority of our universal service programs, which is enabling the deployment of robust networks. But we have fallen short, when it comes to the adoption side of the house and have failed to reform the program best positioned to close the broadband gap. A rebooted Lifeline program, and I don’t mean just adding broadband to the mix, but taking a fresh look at this 30-year-old program, is the most efficient way to truly address those chronic, digital divides. Last November, I outlined five underlying principles, which should guide a comprehensive modernization of our only needs-based, Universal Service Program." Ensuring just and reasonable rates for inmate calling, promoting new entry and reducing barriers to deployment, and promoting deployment and a free and Open Internet were other areas Commissioner Clyburn discussed.