FCC Fails Once Again to Collect Data on Broadband Prices
WASHINGTON -- On Thursday, the Federal Communications Commission approved changes to its broadband data-collection practices in an order continuing the mapping efforts begun by the National Telecommunications Information Administration. The FCC, however, declined to adopt its own prior proposal to collect broadband pricing information, ignoring strong recommendations from the Justice Department and the National Broadband Plan that it do so. In 2011, when the Commission last proposed collecting broadband pricing data, then-Commissioner Mignon Clyburn stated that the FCC needed this data to "better assess affordable and comparable prices."
Free Press Policy Director Matt Wood made the following statement:
"We’re deeply disappointed that politics once again trumped the public interest at the FCC. The Justice Department, the National Broadband Plan, numerous prior FCC proposals, the current acting FCC chairwoman, Commissioner Jessica Rosenworcel and the incoming FCC chairman have all identified the need to collect broadband pricing data. But because powerful broadband companies oppose the collection of any information that would show just how uncompetitive this market is, the FCC is once again refusing to collect the basic data it needs to do its job.
"Data-driven, informed policymaking should not be political. In his confirmation hearing, incoming Chairman Tom Wheeler agreed that the Commission needs broadband pricing data to carry out its oversight duties. All eyes will be on Mr. Wheeler to see if his actions match his rhetoric. If the FCC continues to fail to collect vital broadband pricing data,we’ll know that industry capture is here to stay at the agency."
