By John Eggerton, Broadcasting & Cable Online, 6-19-20
FCC Chairman Ajit Pai has signaled he is asking ISPs to extend a portion of their Keep Americans Connected pledge through the end of July, at least via deferred and extended payment plans, but is also supporting a legislative proposal to use taxpayer funds going forward.
The chairman sent a letter to Congress seeking funds via legislation to help keep consumers stay connected over the “coming months” after the pledge ends June 30. It was initially to have ended in May, then early June, but has already been extended twice…
Specifically, he is backing the Broadband Connectivity and Digital Equity Framework from Republicans Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), chairman of the Senate Commerce Committee, and Greg Walden (R-Ore.), which he calls a forward thinking proposal that would secure such connectivity. » Read More