FCC Issues Section 706 NOI on Advanced Telecom Deployment; Clyburn Cites Concerns
The FCC launched an inquiry into whether advanced telecom capability is being rolled out to all Americans in a reasonable and timely way under Section 706 of the Telecommunications Act, noting it didn't issue a report on its last inquiry.…
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"We propose to start this Inquiry afresh, with updated data and questions focused on the current progress of deployment of advanced telecommunications capability," said a notice of inquiry in docket 17-199 inviting comments by Sept. 7, replies by Sept. 22. The NOI proposes to keep the current 25/3 Mbps speed benchmark for fixed broadband. "We sell consumers short by proposing a speed benchmark that is way too low," said Commissioner Mignon Clyburn in a concurring statement. She voiced concern about the FCC's desire for comment "on whether to deem an area 'served' if mobile or fixed services is available" and "on whether the Commission should establish a speed benchmark based on the speed tier consumers are subscribing to."