Communications Act of 1934
![](https://www.benton.org/sites/default/files/styles/thumbnail/public/ccg-logo_11.png?itok=1hKSfPGD)
Revisiting the Impact of Killing Net Neutrality
Ajit Pai recently wrote an article in the National Review where he talks about how his decision as head of the Federal Communications Commission to repeal net neutrality was the right one. He goes on to claim that repealing net neutrality was the driver behind the current boom in building fiber and upgrading other broadband technologies.
Lifeline in crosshairs as Senate weighs USF reforms
Is the Lifeline program effective? Should E-Rate be expanded to cover school-related connectivity outside of campuses? Would it make sense to fold the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) into the Universal Service Fund (USF)? These were some of the questions asked and answered at a Senate Commerce Committee hearing on the state of universal service. Sen John Thune (R-SD) claimed the Lifeline program is “riddled with waste, fraud and abuse” and chided the Federal Communications Commission for failing to evaluate whether the program is functioning as intended.
![](https://www.benton.org/sites/default/files/styles/thumbnail/public/benton_2_283.png?itok=JuJH_0SK)
A Discussion About the State of Universal Service
All people in the United States shall have access to rapid, efficient, nationwide communications service with adequate facilities at reasonable charges.
![](https://www.benton.org/sites/default/files/styles/thumbnail/public/benton_2_282.png?itok=7rUplvQK)
House Commerce Committee Continues Oversight of Federal Broadband Programs
The House Commerce Committee's Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigation held a hearing on May 10 discussing federal funding for broadband deployment as part of ongoing efforts to
![](https://www.benton.org/sites/default/files/styles/thumbnail/public/tvdial1.jpg?itok=6JpGDYqS)
Newton N. Minow, FCC Chairman Deemed TV a ‘Vast Wasteland’
Newton N. Minow, who as President John F. Kennedy’s new Federal Communications Commission chairman in 1961 sent shock waves through an industry and touched a nerve in a nation addicted to banality and mayhem by calling American television “a vast wasteland,” died on May 6 at his home in Chicago. He was 97. On May 9, 1961, almost four months after President Kennedy called upon Americans to renew their commitment to freedom around the globe, Mr.
![](https://www.benton.org/sites/default/files/styles/thumbnail/public/fcc-official-logo-tn_710.jpg?itok=yLbc6ntU)
FCC Adopts New Requirements to Prevent Gaming of its Access Stimulation Rules
The Federal Communications Commission adopted rules to
![](https://www.benton.org/sites/default/files/styles/thumbnail/public/public_knowledge_41.png?itok=pDxOtTsC)
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.
![](https://www.benton.org/sites/default/files/styles/thumbnail/public/public_knowledge_40.png?itok=Amv5KP3w)
Public Knowledge Urges FCC to Swiftly and Forcefully Address Digital Discrimination
Rarely does Congress speak as definitively and clearly as it did with Section 1754: ordering the Federal Communications Commission, within 2 years to 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. The FCC should interpret this instruction for what it is: a rebuke of the last 25 years of failed policies and “light touch” regulation under the apparent delusion that for the first time in 90 years “the market” would bring universal service to all
![](https://www.benton.org/sites/default/files/styles/thumbnail/public/benton_2_234.png?itok=pA4NnYyG)
Why We Need a Full-Strength FCC
The Federal Communications Commission is the lead U.S.
![](https://www.benton.org/sites/default/files/styles/thumbnail/public/fcc-official-logo-tn_666.jpg?itok=2XuSdvqj)
Connecticut Broadband Coordinator Burt Cohen Added to Federal-State Joint Board on Universal Service
The Federal Communications Commission appointed Burt Cohen, Staff Attorney and Broadband Coordinator for the State of Connecticut, Office of Consumer Counsel, to serve as the State Consumer Advocate representative on the Federal-State Joint Board on Universal Service. This appointment fills the position recently vacated by the William “Bill” Vallee of the Connecticut State Office of Consumer Counsel.