Thursday, October 5, 2023

FCC Chairwoman proposes to restore oversight of broadband services

FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel is calling for a restoration of FCC oversight of broadband services, similar to its authority over voice communication. 

Specifically, in the interest of national security and public safety, Rosenworcel is proposing to reclassifying Internet Access as a Title II service, thereby require broaband providers to report and address internet outages.

Highlights: 

Secure Broadband Networks – Ensure the FCC can deny companies controlled by hostile foreign governments access to our broadband networks. 

Internet Outage Oversight – Bolster the FCC’s authority to require internet service providers to report and fix internet outages like it does for legacy voice providers. 

Resilient Broadband Networks – Support the agency’s ongoing work to enhance the resiliency of broadband networks, helping them withstand and recover from natural disasters and mitigate other network vulnerabilities. 

Public Outage Information – Allow the FCC to ensure consumers, local public safety officials, and other partners have access to public safety resources and information. 

Supporting Public Safety Officials – Enable the Commission to support and oversee the adequate provision of broadband services to first responders for public safety purposes and prevent throttling of their emergency communications.

Enhance Emergency Alerts – Ensure the agency can require broadband service providers to transmit emergency alerts to their subscribers, improving the effectiveness of these life-saving notices. 

https://www.fcc.gov/document/national-security-public-safety-restoring-broadband-oversight