FCC Split Over Who Gets Emergency Broadband Funds First

Federal Communications Commissioners appeared divided on Feb 17 over how the $3.2 billion Emergency Broadband Benefit program funding should be distributed to Americans hit hard by the coronavirus pandemic — either by evenly prioritizing the funding to affected groups or targeting the money specifically to students. Republican FCC Commissioners Brendan Carr and Nathan Simington suggested that the wording of Congress' funding mandate should be construed to primarily serve distance-learning needs, while acting Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel and Commissioner Geoffrey Starks said that many Americans are equally in need of aid.

According to Commissioner Carr, it's clear that Congress intended for the FCC to prioritize students who are struggling to attend school remotely, given the mentions of educational criteria such as Pell Grant and free school lunch recipients. However, Chairwoman Rosenworcel pointed out that Congress also singled out households that are impoverished or have experienced a substantial loss of income as intended targets for emergency broadband assistance. "What's important to note is Congress suggested all of those categories are equally eligible," she said. "That's what the law suggests, and we intend to follow the law." Commissioner Starks similarly noted that he sees "interconnectedness" as a theme in the program and indicated that it should serve underprivileged households with and without schoolchildren.

As FCC staffers are still drawing up the framework for the program, which will then go to the full commission for a vote, Commissioner Carr acknowledged that time remains to collaborate on the eligibility criteria. "It's too early to say whether we're all on the same page or a different page," he said.