NTIA Oversight Hearing

The House Subcommittee on Communications and Technology held an oversight hearing on the National Telecommunications and Information Administration. The Department of Commerce's NTIA is the President’s principal advisor on telecommunications issues and is responsible for management of the spectrum licenses held by federal government agencies; participating in international telecommunications meetings and conferences to advance the US interest; the development of policies concerning issues including privacy, security, interoperability, and emergency readiness; and coordinating federal telecommunications assistance to state and local governments. The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act includes a historic $65 billion investment in broadband access, affordability, and adoption. Several of the programs authorized or funded in the Infrastructure Act are administered by NTIA. 

Alan Davidson was recently confirmed as the Assistant Secretary for Communications and Information and he will lead the NTIA. In prepared testimony, Assistant Secretary Davidson stressed: "Priority No. 1 is closing the digital divide. Gaps in broadband access mean gaps in opportunity: fewer opportunities to learn and work from home, remotely visit doctors, or stay connected with family and friends. Achieving an equitable future means ensuring that homes and businesses have high-quality connections at affordable prices, and the means to use them." Additional priorities at the NTIA are ensuring access to spectrum, working to bolster cybersecurity and public safety communications, protecting privacy, and advocating for America’s vision of free and open communications around the world.

In his opening remarks, House Commerce Committee Chairman Frank Pallone (D-NJ) noted that during the majority of the Trump Administration, NTIA did not have a politically appointed leader. Chairman Pallone said, "Administrator Davidson’s leadership is going to be critical as NTIA is poised to deliver on one of the most important economic and equity issues of the day—universal access to robust and affordable broadband service."

Committee Minority Leader Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA) stressed that Infrastructure Law broadband "funding must be targeted to truly unserved areas, that is, areas currently lacking broadband speeds the FCC considers 'served' which are those areas that lack download speeds of 25 megabits per second and upload speeds of 3 megabits per second." Subcommittee Republican Leader Bob Latta (R-OH) echoed Rodgers' concerns saying "I am concerned that we are seeing this Administration move the goalpost by redefining what it means to be considered 'served.' By moving the goalposts and not having proper safeguards in place, we risk leaving Americans with no service further behind."

The hearing was chaired by Rep. Jerry McNerney (D-CA) who noted that the Infrastructure Act includes the Digital Equity Act which he sponsored in the House. "[U]niversal connectivity does not stop at network access," he said. "Families need to be able to afford the service, and individuals must have the devices and the technical skills to use the service for their needs."