1. Monthly archive
  2. June 2020

June 2020

Make broadband far more affordable

We urge Congress to establish a broadband credit — call it America’s Broadband Credit — to ensure many more people can afford high-speed Internet access. Congress could set a household subsidy of $50 per month, which is roughly the cost of medium-tier broadband plans in urban settings (and it could provide a higher subsidy for tribal lands). That subsidy would allow anyone and any device in the household to be connected to the Internet, simultaneously, which is how so many families today are operating.

Chairman Pai's Response to Senator Wicker Regarding Broadband Deployment in Unserved Rural Communities Through the Rural Digital Opportunity Fund

On June 2, Senate Commerce Committee Chairman Roger Wicker (R-MS) wrote to Federal Communications Commission Chairman Ajit Pai about the Rural Digital Opportunity Fund (RDOF).

Chairman Pai's Response to Senators Regarding Maintaining Connectivity During COVID-19 Pandemic

On April 24, Sens Joe Manchin (D-WV) and Susan Collins (R-Maine) wrote to Federal Communications Commission Chairman Ajit Pai, saying, "We must coordinate the voluntary efforts of broadband service providers with the targeted investments of federal, state, and local governments to ensure that efforts are focused on those who need our help the most." They urged Chairman Pai to work with the companies that stepped up to take the Keep Americans Connected Pledge to provide a comprehensive report on the distribution of hotspots by April 27th so we can understand where hotspots have been deployed

Chairman Pai's Response to Members of Congress Regarding Newly-Eligible Low-Income Consumers Newly Eligible for Discounted Telephone and Broadband Service Through Lifeline Program

On June 15, Federal Communications Commission Chairman Ajit Pai wrote to Members of Congress about the FCC's efforts to inform newly-eligible low-income consumers about their eligibility for discounted broadband and telephone service through the Lifeline program. The FCC and the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC), which administers the Lifeline program, have undertaken numerous efforts to promote Lifeline awareness during the pandemic to ensure that consumers who are newly eligible for the program due to loss of employment or income have the information and resources they need

Chairman Pai's Response to Senator Manchin Regarding High-Speed Service in West Virginia

On May 1, Sen Joe Manchin (D-WV) wrote to Federal Communications Commission Chairman Ajit Pai with 107 speed tests from his constituents noting problems with the FCC's 2020 Broadband Deployment Report which claims 98% of West Virginians have access to fixed broadband or mobile LTE coverage. On June 15, Chairman Pai wrote back saying that implementation of the Broadband DATA Act will help improve broadband deployment data, but Congress needs to appropriate $65 to the FCC to make it happen.

Chairman Pai's Response to Senators Regarding Ligado's Application Deploy a Low-Power Terrestrial Network in the L-Band Spectrum

On June 4, eight senators wrote to Federal Communications Commission Chairman Ajit Pai about Ligado's spectrum license. The senators asked for answers to 13 questions about the FCC's decision to modify technical aspects of Ligado's license. On June 12, Chairman Pai answered the questions. 

Chairman Pai's Response to Senator Kennedy Regarding the C-Band

On May 5, Sen John Kennedy (R-LA) wrote to Federal Communications Commission Chairman Ajit Pai about the C-band auction, urging the FCC to institute a "Buy American" request to all satellite operators. On June 15, Chairman Pai wrote that the five eligible space station operators are required to file their Transition Plans for FCC review by June 19. These plans should provide detailed information on the specific aspects of the planned transitions for each operator, including plans to manufacture, procure, and launch new satellites.

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