"This page is a digitally archived AccessInfo Announcement"
The FCC has announced a tentative agenda for the Open Commission Meeting scheduled for 10:30 am EST on Wednesday, March 16, 2022. At the meeting, the Commission will consider a draft Notice of Inquiry (NOI) that seeks comment on implementing section 60506 of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (Infrastructure Act). That section adopts as policy of the United States that “the Commission should take steps to ensure that all people of the United States benefit from equal access to broadband internet access service.”
Among other things, section 60506 directs the Commission to adopt final rules to “facilitate equal access to broadband” and prevent “digital discrimination of access [to broadband] based on income level, race, ethnicity, color, religion, or national origin.” The draft NOI invites comment on whether the characteristics listed are exclusive or if the Commission’s rules should also address discrimination based on other characteristics, such as age, disability, or level of English proficiency. Moreover, the draft NOI seeks comment on how its proposals may promote or inhibit advances in diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility.
The FCC meeting is online only and streamed live with open captioning at www.fcc.gov/live.
March 16, 2022 Meeting Press Release:
URL: https://www.fcc.gov/document/fcc-announces-tentative-agenda-march-open-meeting-9
Word: https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/DOC-380629A1.docx
PDF: https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/DOC-380629A1.pdf
Text: https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/DOC-380629A1.txt
Draft Notice of Inquiry:
URL: https://www.fcc.gov/document/preventing-digital-discrimination-broadband-access
PDF: https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/DOC-380630A1.pdf
Text: https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/DOC-380630A1.txt
For further information, please contact Emily Caditz, Wireline Competition Bureau, Competition Policy Division, at Emily.Caditz@fcc.gov or (202) 418-2268. Individuals who use videophones and are ASL-fluent may call the FCC’s ASL Consumer Support Line at (844) 432-2275 (videophone).