Cable Ready to help Beyond FCC Pledge

Although the Federal Communications Commission’s voluntary Keep Americans Connected pledge that broadband providers made to help consumers maintain internet access during the pandemic expires June 30, NCTA President Michael Powell says his cable trade group members are preparing to lend a hand regardless of whether it’s extended. “If the pledge is no longer at government insistence or fiat, that won’t really fundamentally change what we’re doing,” said Powell. And unlike smaller ISPs, NCTA members are “not interested in standing in line for [their own congressional subsidy] handout unless it becomes absolutely necessary” despite the “substantial economic hit,” he added. FCC Chairman Ajit Pai told Senate appropriators the agency would be happy to help assess the lost revenue for ISPs and assist as Congress looks to potentially compensate providers.