It is Past Time To End Digital Discrimination—No More Excuses

Congress directed the Federal Communications Commission to pass rules designed to end digital discrimination. The directive could not be more clear: Enact regulations to “eliminate” existing digital discrimination on the basis of “income level, race, ethnicity, color, religion, or national origin” and to prevent it from recurring in the future. Contrary to the false assertions of some, this provision was openly discussed, debated and then supported on an overwhelmingly bipartisan basis. This provision represents Congressional frustration with the approach the FCC has taken for the last two decades. It is an acknowledgment that in addition to “carrots” in the form of federal funding to support broadband deployment in rural and Tribal areas, the Commission needs to have some “sticks” in the form of clear, enforceable rules that will fulfill its more than 90-year mandate to ensure all Americans—no matter where they live or who they are—have access to communications services.