Van Hollen, Harris: FCC Should Reconsider Possible Broadband Standard Change in Section 706 Review
Sen. Chris Van Hollen, D-Md., and Rep. Andy Harris, R-Md., jointly urged the FCC Wednesday to reconsider a plan to “end the distinction between mobile and fixed broadband” in its annual Telecom Act Section 706 report as part of its…
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notice of inquiry into whether advanced telecom capability (ATC) is being deployed adequately to all Americans. Commissioners Mignon Clyburn and Jessica Rosenworcel are participating in a “#MobileOnly challenge" this month to highlight concerns about the proposal (see 1712180057). The FCC “should continue” to recognize the distinction between fixed and mobile broadband, since removing that barrier “would be an active step backwards in expanding broadband service to rural communities,” Harris and Van Hollen said in a letter to FCC Chairman Ajit Pai. “Without adequate service deployment and accurate data collection for both fixed and mobile, our rural and national economy will suffer.” There are “challenges in expanding broadband deployment to rural communities but the solution for Congress and the Commission is not to redefine itself out of the problem but to work with industry to propose and promote viable solutions to address obstacles,” the lawmakers said. “It would be a disservice to rural Americans to be told by the Commission that their broadband needs are being met when their reality is much different.”