Broadband Breakfast on November 29, 2023 – FCC’s Digital Discrimination Order
The FCC just struck the gavel on a set of rules aimed at holding telecom companies accountable for business practices that result in digital discrimination, whether intentional or not. This decision has intensified an ongoing debate that began when the rule proposal was initially released for public comment in December 2022. Congressional Democrats, civil rights groups, and internet advocacy organizations support the Democrat-led agency, emphasizing the “disparate impact” standard of the rules to ensure universal access to broadband. On the other hand, telecom companies, trade groups, and their allies express concerns about the potential chilling effect these rules might have on broadband investment nationwide. What are the practical impacts of digital discrimination rules on broadband rollouts? Will the rules ensure equitable internet access for all Americans?
Jake Neenan
Panelists
- Harold Feld, Senior Vice President, Public Knowledge
- Nicol Turner-Lee, Director of the Center for Technology Innovation, Brookings Institution
- Randy May, Founder and President, the Free State Foundation
- Drew Clark (moderator), Editor and Publisher, Broadband Breakfast
Panelist resources
- FCC Approves Strong Digital Discrimination Rules, Broadband Breakfast, November 15, 2023
- Sen. Schumer, Democrats, FCC Chairwoman Tout Anti-Discrimination Rules, Broadband Breakfast, November 15, 2023
- The FCC’s Digital Discrimination Order: An Overreach in Pursuit of a Worthy Goal, Free State Foundation
- FSF Comments Explain Why the FCC Is About to Commit to Conducting Utility-Style Rate Cases
- FCC Comments Explain How the FCC Should Interpret Economic Feasibility, Free State Foundation
Member discussion