Senators press FCC on broadband affordability, mapping and Universal Service Fund reforms
Loading...
Summary
Lawmakers pressed commissioners about rising consumer costs, the lapse of the Affordable Connectivity Program, flaws in broadband maps and coordination for BEAD; FCC pledged staff briefings and work to stabilize the serviceable location fabric and streamline the challenge process.
WASHINGTON — Senators pressed FCC commissioners over affordability, flawed broadband maps and sustainability of federal broadband programs, warning that deployment without consumer affordability and accurate data will not close the digital divide.
Senator Maria Cantwell and others highlighted rising prices for streaming and broadband subscriptions and criticized FCC actions that, they said, reduce competition and increase costs. Commissioner Anna M. Gomez told the committee the loss of the Affordable Connectivity Program removed support that kept many households connected, and argued the FCC needs affordability measures to make networks sustainable.
Broadband mapping was a recurring focus: Senators described earlier failures and the 2020s Broadband Data Act commitments; Chair Carr said the FCC’s Broadband Serviceable Location Fabric is stabilizing with less than 1% change in iterations and that the agency is open to streamlining the challenge process so providers can correct errors more efficiently. Senators asked for briefings and follow‑up on NTIA/BEAD coordination.
Rural and Alaska examples: Multiple senators praised Alaska‑specific efforts (Alaska Connect Fund and Unalaska undersea cable phases) and pressed the FCC on funding frameworks and project continuity to reach remote communities. Carr and Commissioner Trustee committed to continue engagement and support for Alaska programs.
Where things stand: The FCC agreed to provide briefings to the congressional working group and to continue coordinating with NTIA, NEC and other agencies on mapping and program alignment.
