Democratic Commissioners Outraged as FCC Denies Net Neutrality Comment Extension
The FCC Wireline Bureau denied more time for comments on public safety aspects of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit’s Mozilla v. FCC net neutrality decision. California’s Santa Clara County, Los Angeles, New York City and others…
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sought the extension for comments that were due Monday, after a 21-day extension granted by the FCC (see 2004170029). The April 16 request citing COVID-19 was too late; rules say extension motions must be filed at least seven days before filings’ due date, said Monday's order. “It is not plausible that Requestors first became aware of their purported need for additional time less than seven days before the deadline for initial comments on April 20.” Democratic FCC commissioners sought extra time. "Local governments and public safety officials have asked for more time to comment so that they rightfully can focus on responding to the public health emergency at hand," said Commissioner Jessica Rosenworcel. "It’s shameful that the FCC did not heed their request.” Commissioner Geoffrey Starks tweeted, "We should've done better." It's "shameful" the FCC doesn't "think that the pandemic is enough of an emergency to provide more time for first responders to file comments about how the Commission can ensure that first responders can serve the public in emergencies like pandemics," said Benton Institute for Broadband and Society Senior Counselor Andrew Schwartzman. Sunday, the California Public Utilities Commission supported a 60-day extension to comments. The record wouldn’t be complete without Santa Clara County since the court specifically referenced its concerns, but COVID-19 may limit its ability to weigh in, the CPUC said in docket 17-108. “These parties should not have to choose between protecting public health and safety and participating in this proceeding.” The FCC declined to comment beyond the order.