Comments due: May 16, 2022
Reply Comments due: June 30, 2022
On March 17, 2022, the FCC released a Notice of Inquiry (NOI) to seek 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 FCC 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 FCC seeks comment on how its proposals may promote or inhibit advances in diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility.
Interested parties may file comments by accessing the Electronic Comment Filing System at https://www.fcc.gov/ecfs/filings. All filings must reference GN Docket No. 22-69. People with disabilities who need assistance to file comments may request assistance by email to FCC504@fcc.gov.
Notice of Inquiry:
URL: https://www.fcc.gov/document/fcc-initiates-inquiry-preventing-digital-discrimination
Word: https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/FCC-22-21A1.docx
PDF: https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/FCC-22-21A1.pdf
Text: https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/FCC-22-21A1.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).