OTI Says FCC’s Deregulation Order Undermines Public Safety

Today, New America’s Open Technology Institute, Common Cause, and Public Knowledge, filed reply comments with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC, or Commission) reiterating the importance of the Commission’s 2015 Open Internet Order to protect public safety and provide broadband service to low-income consumers. The reply comments responded to arguments made in the FCC’s record seeking response to a federal court order that pilloried the FCC for ignoring these critical issues when it repealed the 2015 Open Internet Order and required the Commission to address them. OTI and Common Cause filed initial comments in the proceeding last month. In the reply comments, OTI, Common Cause, and Public Knowledge highlight the arguments in the record that showcase how the FCC’s 2017 repeal deeply threatens public safety and public health. The reply comments also detailed the widespread support for broadband assistance in the Lifeline program. In 2017, the FCC relinquished its strongest authority to make Lifeine a broadband-inclusive program.

The following quote can be attributed to Amir Nasr, policy analyst at New America’s Open Technology Institute:

“The FCC’s repeal of the 2015 Open Internet Order has created uncertainties regarding the Commission’s ability to fulfill its public safety and universal service goals. The record reflects widespread concern that the FCC now lacks the adequate authority to protect public safety and public health operations from harmful practices, particularly in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. The FCC should carefully review the concerns expressed in the record and ensure both public safety and broadband support in the Lifeline program are sufficiently addressed. OTI continues to believe that this is best achieved by the FCC’s 2015 Open Internet Order.”