Good Governance

Like many people across the recent winter storm’s path, I spent some time this weekend shoveling out my driveway.  And today I feel a lot like the Tin Man before he got his oil can.

While the dig out continues across the country, I want to express my thanks and appreciation to the FCC’s talented staff that have been working 24/7 to support communications resiliency and recovery efforts.  It’s another example of the agency’s important work and public service.  It also builds on the actions the FCC has been taking for the American people over the past year.  Indeed, we are already seeing prices for cellphone plans dropping, speeds increasing, and competition intensifying. 

Heading into February, we will continue to take actions that advance the interests of consumers and ensure the agency is a good steward of scarce federal dollars. 

First up, we will take another important step in our work to protect federal USF expenditures from waste, fraud, and abuse.  The federal Lifeline program plays a critical role in helping eligible low‑income Americans stay connected.  However, the FCC’s Office of Inspector General has found concerning patterns of fraud that merit the Commission’s attention.  As a recent Inspector General Advisory shows, millions of Lifeline dollars have been flowing to accounts of deceased individuals.  And the FCC itself recently took action to prevent California’s unlawful abuse of the federal Lifeline program.  On top of this, the FCC has not updated its rules recently to ensure that federal dollars are only flowing to people that are both here legally and lawfully qualified to receive these federal benefits.  So next month, the Commission will vote on proposals aimed at strengthening the integrity of the federal Lifeline program—ensuring USF dollars flow only to living and lawful beneficiaries.  These changes are designed to ensure that the Lifeline program is efficient, transparent, and accountable—while continuing to support Americans who rely on it.

Next, we’re advancing efforts to expand broadband use and create new opportunities for utilities and critical infrastructure providers.  The Commission will vote on an order that maximizes the potential of the 900 MHz band by enabling broadband deployment across all ten megahertz of the band.  This action builds on our previous work to realign the band through a market‑driven transition and reflects our commitment to ensuring that spectrum is used efficiently and in ways that strengthen the American economy.

In February, we’re also taking steps to support noncommercial educational broadcasting and preserve the airwaves for future local and community‑focused services.  The Commission will vote on a public notice launching the first‑ever filing window for new NCE reserved band FM translator construction permits.  In doing so, we’re also seeking comment on eligibility requirements and application limits to prevent speculative filings and ensure fair access to licenses.  These actions help strengthen localism and support the continued growth of noncommercial service on the FM band.

Finally, we are continuing our work on the transition to all-IP networks by voting on an NPRM that explores the best way to phase carriers out of the intercarrier compensation regime to a full bill-and-keep framework.  Over the last year, we have been hard at work creating the right incentives for providers to update their networks to modern, high-speed ones.  But it’s just as important that we eliminate some of the potentially perverse incentives embedded in our decades-old rules that keep Americans on old ones.  This ICC NPRM aims to do just that, while also recognizing that the Commission must be thoughtful in its approach—mindful of the complex issues, transition timelines, and paramount connectivity goals.

With that as our work ahead, shoveling remains the work of the day for many.  So remember: push, don’t lift.