The FCC voted 3-2 Thursday to launch a rulemaking (see 1602160072) seeking comment on numerous changes to set-top box rules intended to make it easier for third parties to build and sell retail set tops that can access pay-TV content. Commissioners Ajit Pai and Mike O’Rielly as expected (see 1601280066) opposed the proposal, which they said was “slanted” and an unnecessary regulatory intrusion. “I’m confident that most consumers would rather eliminate the set-top box altogether,” Pai said.
The FCC voted 3-2 Thursday to launch a rulemaking (see 1602160072) seeking comment on numerous changes to set-top box rules intended to make it easier for third parties to build and sell retail set tops that can access pay-TV content. Commissioners Ajit Pai and Mike O’Rielly as expected (see 1601280066) opposed the proposal, which they said was “slanted” and an unnecessary regulatory intrusion. “I’m confident that most consumers would rather eliminate the set-top box altogether,” Pai said.
The FCC approved a report saying broadband isn't being rolled out broadly enough or quickly enough to meet a statutory deployment mandate. The commission action at its Thursday meeting wasn't a surprise after Chairman Tom Wheeler circulated a draft report with a negative finding (see 1601070059). Democratic colleagues supported the report and its conclusion, with one backing an even higher broadband standard, but one Republican dissented and the other concurred while faulting the FCC for failing to bring about more broadband deployment. Key House Republicans and major wireline and wireless telco groups were among those criticizing the report, with USTelecom calling it “not believable.”
The FCC approved a report saying broadband isn't being rolled out broadly enough or quickly enough to meet a statutory deployment mandate. The commission action at its Thursday meeting wasn't a surprise after Chairman Tom Wheeler circulated a draft report with a negative finding (see 1601070059). Democratic colleagues supported the report and its conclusion, with one backing an even higher broadband standard, but one Republican dissented and the other concurred while faulting the FCC for failing to bring about more broadband deployment. Key House Republicans and major wireline and wireless telco groups were among those criticizing the report, with USTelecom calling it “not believable.”
Low-power TV challenges to FCC rules could be a threat to the incentive auction, according to attorneys and recent court and commission filings. It's "impossible" to "harmonize the goals of the Spectrum Act" with protecting LPTV stations in the incentive auction, said the FCC in a brief filed Friday in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit in response to LPTV broadcasters Beach TV and Mako (see 1512110057).
Democratic presidential contender Bernie Sanders, an independent senator representing Vermont, stepped into a Media Action Grassroots Network Twitter event Thursday to tout his support for Lifeline reform. “We must do all we can to provide all Americans, especially low-income families, affordable access to broadband,” the Sanders campaign Twitter account wrote, using the #RightToConnect hashtag affiliated with the event. The Sanders campaign also tweeted out relevant statistics: “36% of Black Americans and 46% of Latin@s don't have a high-speed internet connection at home. They deserve a #RightToConnect.” The campaign on Wednesday also tweeted using the hashtag: “We must narrow the digital divide between Americans who are connected to broadband and those who are not.” Sen. Cory Booker, D-N.J., and FCC Commissioner Mignon Clyburn answered questions on Twitter as part of the event. Booker and Sanders are often allied on telecom issues (see 1512220042), but Booker is planning to campaign for Democratic presidential front-runner Hillary Clinton over the weekend. “Reading this tweet is a luxury millions of Americans simply cannot afford,” Clyburn said. Booker cited the first time he got online: “My 1st time: '92, was studying at Oxford, sent an email to an XGF that I was still pinning [sic] after,” Booker replied. “Accessing internet/knowledge of world shouldn't be a privilege for some but a right for the many.” Broadband “can be a pathway out of poverty only if it is accessible and affordable,” Clyburn said. Lifeline must be “dignified” and “offer competitive options and comparable service,” she said. “Public and private sector must work together: training, devices, affordability, and more.” She said state Lifeline programs can help close the affordability gap. FCC Commissioner Jessica Rosenworcel also tweeted about the conversation, calling it important. “Pubic [sic] ed is 'free' but provides a HUGE return in economic growth for all,” Booker tweeted. “This is akin to that #RightToConnect.”
Democratic presidential contender Bernie Sanders, an independent senator representing Vermont, stepped into a Media Action Grassroots Network Twitter event Thursday to tout his support for Lifeline reform. “We must do all we can to provide all Americans, especially low-income families, affordable access to broadband,” the Sanders campaign Twitter account wrote, using the #RightToConnect hashtag affiliated with the event. The Sanders campaign also tweeted out relevant statistics: “36% of Black Americans and 46% of Latin@s don't have a high-speed internet connection at home. They deserve a #RightToConnect.” The campaign on Wednesday also tweeted using the hashtag: “We must narrow the digital divide between Americans who are connected to broadband and those who are not.” Sen. Cory Booker, D-N.J., and FCC Commissioner Mignon Clyburn answered questions on Twitter as part of the event. Booker and Sanders are often allied on telecom issues (see 1512220042), but Booker is planning to campaign for Democratic presidential front-runner Hillary Clinton over the weekend. “Reading this tweet is a luxury millions of Americans simply cannot afford,” Clyburn said. Booker cited the first time he got online: “My 1st time: '92, was studying at Oxford, sent an email to an XGF that I was still pinning [sic] after,” Booker replied. “Accessing internet/knowledge of world shouldn't be a privilege for some but a right for the many.” Broadband “can be a pathway out of poverty only if it is accessible and affordable,” Clyburn said. Lifeline must be “dignified” and “offer competitive options and comparable service,” she said. “Public and private sector must work together: training, devices, affordability, and more.” She said state Lifeline programs can help close the affordability gap. FCC Commissioner Jessica Rosenworcel also tweeted about the conversation, calling it important. “Pubic [sic] ed is 'free' but provides a HUGE return in economic growth for all,” Booker tweeted. “This is akin to that #RightToConnect.”
LAS VEGAS -- FCC Commissioners Mike O’Rielly and Ajit Pai told CES there are no guarantees the TV incentive auction will be a success. Commissioner Jessica Rosenworcel urged the FCC to release data on broadcaster participation. Earlier at the show, FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler projected confidence, saying all indications are broadcasters will offer spectrum for sale in every major market (see 1601060048). At the last CES a year ago, commissioners other than Wheeler discussed whether it was prudent for the agency to pause the auction, now set to start March 29 (see 1501080032).
LAS VEGAS -- FCC Commissioners Mike O’Rielly and Ajit Pai told CES there are no guarantees the TV incentive auction will be a success. Commissioner Jessica Rosenworcel urged the FCC to release data on broadcaster participation. Earlier at the show, FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler projected confidence, saying all indications are broadcasters will offer spectrum for sale in every major market (see 1601060048). At the last CES a year ago, commissioners other than Wheeler discussed whether it was prudent for the agency to pause the auction, now set to start March 29 (see 1501080032).
LAS VEGAS -- FCC Commissioners Mike O’Rielly and Ajit Pai told CES there are no guarantees the TV incentive auction will be a success. Commissioner Jessica Rosenworcel urged the FCC to release data on broadcaster participation. Earlier at the show, FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler projected confidence, saying all indications are broadcasters will offer spectrum for sale in every major market (see 1601060048). At the last CES a year ago, commissioners other than Wheeler discussed whether it was prudent for the agency to pause the auction, now set to start March 29 (see 1501080032).