VT Telecom Chairman Backs Up Chairman Pai Deregulatory Defense

Federal Communications Commission Chairman Ajit Pai got some fan mail, once removed, and an assist from a small telecommunication company in responding to Hill queries about the impact of his broadband deregulatory policies. That is according to a letter from VTel chairman Michel Guite to Sen Patrick Leahy (D-VT).  At a recent Hill hearing on broadband, Guité said, Sen Leahy wanted Chairman Pai to quantify that impact. Chairman Pai had invoked VTel as an example of the fruits of FCC's pro-investment and deployment broadband approach. Guité reminded Sen Leahy that VTel was the first company to provide internet access in Vermont and said it was the first to build a 100% 4G LTE wireless broadband network. He said Chairman Pai's policies, which include eliminating network neutrality rules and easing tower siting, created a "positive regulatory climate" for investment.