Biden order on broadband competition could hit wall at FCC
President Joe Biden prepared to sign an executive order which among other things aims to boost broadband competition, but New Street Research analysts warned progress could be limited by a deadlocked Federal Communications Commission (FCC).
The wide-ranging order directs more than a dozen government agencies to address 72 issues related to competition across sectors spanning healthcare, transportation, agriculture and technology. Four provisions are dedicated to addressing broadband competition.
Specifically, the order “encourages” the FCC to prevent internet service providers from striking exclusive broadband deals with landlords, arguing these limit tenant choice and “can effectively block out broadband infrastructure expansion by new providers.” It also urges the FCC to require providers to report prices and subscription rates to the agency and revive efforts to create a “Broadband Nutrition Label” which makes it easier for consumers to compare plans. Two other provisions direct the FCC to limit excessive termination fees charged by internet providers and reinstate net neutrality protections.
In a note to investors, analysts at New Street Research pointed out the order largely aims to bring back policies championed by the Obama Administration which were either reversed or abandoned under President Donald Trump. But they added “none can be adopted until the FCC has a Democratic majority.”
The five-member FCC is currently one head short, with the current four Commissioners evenly divided along political lines. Biden has yet to nominate a fifth Commissioner.
https://www.fiercetelecom.com///regulatory/biden-order-broadband-competition-could-hit-wall-at-fcc
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