Chairwoman Rosenworcel's Response Regarding Competitive Broadband Access in Multiple Tenant Environments

On May 20, Rep Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (D-FL) wrote to Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel to express concerns regarding the Chairwoman's proposal to prohibit bulk-billing arrangements in multi-dwelling units. On June 10, Chairwoman Rosenworcel responded, explaining that the proposed rulemaking has the potential to "empower consumer choice and boost competition." "As you note in your letter, the last time the Commission revisited this issue was in 2010, when it found that these arrangements can predominately offer benefits to consumers. I agree that it is important to take that last record into account. However, a lot can change in 14 years and, as is true with many policies in the telecommunications sector, it is often in the public interest to reexamine long-standing policies to ensure they have kept up with changes in technology and the marketplace, especially when it comes to consumer protection and choice. I believe that the draft Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking provides an opportunity to build a record on these matters that reflects the consumer experience today, and that is why it is important to have the public weigh in on these issues."