FCC Commissioner Clyburn's Statement Regarding Broadband Affordability and Competition

Federal Communications Commission member Mignon Clyburn issued a statement March 10:

"The same day [the FCC] announced ... important recommendations designed to usher more Americans into the digital age, ... I learned that another major broadband provider is raising its rates for its lowest tiers of broadband service. This news came on the heels of plans unveiled by other major providers throughout the country to increase prices as well. So, just as we are in the process of proposing steps to ensure that more people are comfortable signing up for broadband service, providers of that very service are raising prices. If we are serious as a nation -- both public and private sectors -- about connecting America; about leading the world technologically and economically; about ensuring that all Americans have meaningful access to on-line education, healthcare, and information essential to citizenry, then we should be very concerned about these ominous signs. For if our push to increase broadband adoption -- including through Lifeline subsidies -- merely results in higher prices for the lowest-income consumers, programs like the National Digital Literacy Corps will be for naught. This is an issue we must examine closely going forward. Thirty-six percent of non-adopters cite a cost-related reason as their main barrier to adoption, with 15 percent pointing to the monthly cost of service, and 9 percent saying they do not want a long-term service contract or find the installation fee too high. Across-the-board price increases, especially on those who can least afford it, should raise a red flag for the Commission."