Chairman Pai’s policies harm Internet users, Commissioner Clyburn says on exit from FCC

As Mignon Clyburn left the Federal Communications Commission, the longtime telecommunications regulator worried that the FCC is abandoning its "prime directive" of protecting consumers. The FCC's top priority, as set out by the Communications Act, is to make sure all Americans have "affordable, efficient, and effective" access to communications services, Commissioner Clyburn said. But too often, the FCC's Republican majority led by Chairman Ajit Pai is prioritizing the desires of corporations over consumers, Commissioner Clyburn said. "I don't believe it's accidental that we are called regulators," she said. "Some people at the federal level try to shy away from that title. I embrace it."

Commissioner Clyburn said that she likely would have left the FCC sooner if Democrats had remained in power. If Clyburn was confident that the FCC would put consumers first, "I probably would have exited long before now," she said. Clyburn said she stayed on longer because of her concerns about the Republican majority's policies on inmate calling prices, the repeal of net neutrality, and universal service programs that fund broadband in rural areas. Similarly, if a Democrat instead of Pai was in charge, "I would not have been worried about the Lifeline program, which I believe is on life support," Clyburn said.

Clyburn's vacated Democrat seat is likely to be filled by Geoffrey Starks, an assistant chief in the FCC's enforcement bureau. Republicans will maintain a 3-2 majority. Clyburn didn't reveal what her post-FCC plans are but said she will continue advocating for underserved populations. "I hope to be able to do much of the same, to be a voice for the voiceless," she said. "I hope to be able to be an advocate for those who may not have gotten the type of attention that I believe they deserve at the agency." Serving on the FCC was "the most incredible job I've ever had," and the agency "is one of the most consequential agencies in the world," she said. But there's an advantage to being an advocate outside government, she noted. "When you serve on [the FCC], you are limited in how you say certain things and who you can say it to. The one good thing about me closing this chapter and beginning a new one is I won't have those levels of restrictions, but I will still have all the knowledge and passion."