The FCC talks the talk on the digital divide — and then walks in the other direction

[Commentary] Federal Communications Commission Chairman Ajit Pai extolled the importance of bridging the digital divide. Soon after, he opened another gap, this time between his words and his actions.

The FCC removed nine companies from the roster of its Lifeline program for low-income broadband consumers, and it retracted four reports — two directly related to the digital divide — from its record. The FCC offered no immediate explanation for either change. The revocation of the reports — one of the four focused on expanding WiFi networks in primary and secondary schools and libraries, and another on improving the nation’s digital infrastructure — only lends credence to concerns about Pai’s stated commitment to closing the digital divide. It certainly throws cold water on his claims to transparency. And these aren’t the only reasons to fear the FCC is headed in a disturbing direction. Chairman Pai has also expressed eagerness to roll back other Obama-era changes to the agency that make for a freer and fairer Internet. That’s one area where we can hope that, once again, he does not mean what he says.