FCC’s Pai puts another nail in the BDS reform coffin

Federal Communications Commission Chairman Ajit Pai has removed business data services (BDS) price reform from its list of active proceedings on proposed rules, marking another sign of the new Republican-dominated leadership’s light-touch regulatory mentality. “The items could be put back on circulation following modifications,” said an FCC official, adding that action is “typical” when a new presidential administration takes office. While the commissioners could revise the BDS rules, if they do they would likely be radically different than what former-FCC Chairman Wheeler proposed. FCC Commissioner Michael O’Rielly also opposed the BDS proposal.