The Federal Communications Commission is limiting its review of broadband availability by excluding internet service pricing from its evaluation. Commissioner Anna Gomez criticized this approach, affirming that the existing law does not necessitate a narrow focus on availability alone. The FCC initiated an annual review through a Notice of Inquiry, which disregards affordability. Additionally, the Trump administration has stipulated that states cannot set prices for Internet service providers participating in the $42 billion Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment grant program, raising concerns about accessibility and equity in broadband access.
Some point to existing law to argue that availability is the only metric Congress allows to measure broadband deployment success. But the law does not require this agency to view broadband availability with one eye closed and the other one half-open.
The FCC voted to kick off the next annual review with a Notice of Inquiry (NOI) that reorients the Commission's approach to the Section 706 Report by adhering more closely to the plain language of the statute.
ISPs participating in BEAD are required by law to offer a "low-cost" plan, but the Trump administration is making sure that ISPs get to choose the price of the low-cost plan themselves.
As the Commerce Department seeks to redefine the goals of the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program, one must wonder if this is a coordinated effort to roll out the 'Mission Accomplished' banner as millions remain without access to a fast, reliable, and affordable way to participate.
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