Watchdog Praises FCC for Four Years of Successes

For Immediate Release
September 17, 2020
Contact: Grace Morgan
(202-855-4380)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the Taxpayers Protection Alliance (TPA) praised the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) for their dedication and hard work over the past four years. Under Chairman Ajit Pai, the FCC has improved broadband deployment, increased private sector investment in broadband, and has led the effort to remove government barriers to the development of a nationwide 5G network.  All five FCC commissioners are slated to testify before the House Energy and Commerce committee today, after House Energy and Commerce Chairman Frank Pallone (D-N.J.) criticized the FCC in a press release, stating, “After four years, this FCC has failed to make broadband any more affordable for consumers, which has exacerbated the digital divide.”

TPA President David Williams praised the FCC, stating, “Thanks to Chairman Pai’s leadership and the dedication of all FCC commissioners, the United States is on the right track to win the race to 5G. After receiving death threats surrounding the decision to roll back Title II regulation of consumer broadband, Chairman Pai stood strong, allowing for a true free and open internet. Because of those rollbacks, we’ve seen increased internet speeds, more private sector investment, and more.” 

Williams continued: “During the COVID-19 pandemic, the FCC launched the #KeepingAmericansConnected pledge, which committed ISPs to continuing internet service delivery. This was critical for all Americans, as we saw our lives move to a more digital landscape. Additionally, the FCC has been steadfast in its pursuit to free up more 5G spectrum, with an expedited public auction on the C-Band set to deliver billions to the Treasury. The FCC has put the United States ahead in the race to 5G because it is getting government out of the way. Now is not the time to change course. Any attempt to nationalize 5G deployment will slow down the exceptional progress that has already been achieved.”

Williams concluded: “It is outrageous for House Democrats to attack the FCC as if they’ve spent the last four years doing nothing. The facts are undeniable: internet speeds have increased, private investment in broadband has increased, and Americans are more connected now than ever.”

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