FCC Seeks Budget Boost to Power Equitable Communications Buildout

The Federal Communications Commission has asked for a budget increase of a little more than 5 percent for fiscal 2024 (FY 2024), given inflation and its goal of getting broadband to 100% of the US in an equitable and inclusive way. In its budget request to Congress, the FCC said its top priority is the universal broadband the Biden administration has said should be achievable by the end of the decade. To do that, the agency said, it wants a 5.3 percent increase to $410,743,000, up $20,551,000 from the fiscal year 2023’s $390,192,000. The FCC said the big gaps in deployment are tied to rural deficits, affordability, and the so-called homework gap, or student access to reliable broadband. The FCC’s goal No. 2 is “to gain a deeper understanding of how the agency’s rules, policies, and programs may promote or inhibit advances in diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility.” Priority No. 3 is to “empower consumers,” the FCC said, including “[tackling] new challenges to consumer rights and opportunities stemming from digital transitions,” it said, without elaboration. The FCC is self-sustaining and pays for its operations via regulatory fees and spectrum auction proceeds.