FCC Chairman Ajit Pai

Chairman Pai Testimony Before Senate Appropriations Subcommittee

In written testimomny before the Senate Committee On Appropriations' Subcommittee On Financial Services And General Government, FCC Chairman Ajit Pai outlined the commission's priorities for the next year:

Chairman Response Regarding High Speed Broadband in Rural Communities

On March 13, 2019, Sens Tina Smith (D-MN) and Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) wrote to FCC Chairman Ajit Pai requesting an investigation into the business practices of Frontier Communications Corporation, and its subsidiary Citizens Telecommunications Company of Minnesota, LLC. In 2018, hundreds of consumer complaints across the state prompted the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission to request the Minnesota Department of Commerce (Department) to open an investigation into Frontier's quality of internet and telephone service, billing practices, and customer service.

Chairman Response Regarding Broadband Mapping

On February 14, 2019, 11 US senators wrote to FCC Chairman Ajit Pai with concerns about broadband mapping problems. They asked the following questions:

Chairman Response Regarding C-Band

On March 14, 2019, Sen John Kennedy (R-LA) wrote to Federal Communications Commission Chairman Ajit Pai with concerns about a proposal made by a consortium of foreign-owned satellite providers known as the C-Band Alliance (CBA). On April 25, Chairman Pai wrote Sen Kennedy saying, "In the C-band proceeding, we are aiming to balance a number of interests. One of those interests is American leadership in 50, the next generation of wireless connectivity. C-band spectrum could provide significant benefits as we enter the world of 5G.

Trump administration will let the private sector lead in developing 5G

As the head of the Federal Communications Commission, I’ve been working for the past two-plus years to advance a market-based strategy to promote US leadership in 5G. As part of what we call our 5G FAST Plan, the FCC finished its first 5G spectrum auction in Jan, and we’re holding a second right now that’s already generated almost $2 billion in bids. The recipe for US leadership in wireless technology is proven and simple: Free up airwaves to accommodate the increase in wireless traffic. Get rid of the red tape that slows the deployment of wireless infrastructure.

Chairman Pai Remarks on 5G at National Spectrum Consortium Event

As most of you know, a few weeks ago, I was at the White House for an event with President Donald Trump to highlight our government’s efforts to promote US leadership in 5G. To me, there were three key takeaways from this event. First: 5G is critical to our economy, security, and quality of life, as evidenced by the personal engagement of the President.

FCC's May Agenda: Fast, Reliable, and Secure

At the Federal Communications Commission’s May meeting, we will take action to advance the goal of security.

Chairman Pai Announces Opposition to China Mobile Application to Provide Telecom Services

Federal Communications Commission Chairman Ajit Pai released the following statement regarding his opposition to China Mobile’s application to provide telecommunications services in the US. The FCC is scheduled to vote on an Order that would deny that application at its May Open Meeting: “Safeguarding our communications networks is critical to our national security.

FCC Chairman Pai Remarks at 5G White House Event

Today, 5G is a success story—an American success story. How are we getting the job done? As the lead agency on 5G, the Federal Communications Commission is pursuing a three-part strategy called the 5G FAST Plan. First, we’re freeing up spectrum, the invisible airwaves that carry wireless traffic. Second, we’re making it easier to install wireless infrastructure. Third, we’ve taken action to encourage the deployment of optical fiber.

Chairman Pai Remarks at the National Association of Broadcasters Show

You find yourselves in a war for attention with well-funded media giants, Internet companies, and telecom companies. In such a crowded and rapidly evolving marketplace, how can broadcasters succeed?  The trust that broadcasters have built over the years is real, and Americans’ personal connections with you are your greatest competitive edge....I believe a strong broadcasting industry serves the interest of the American people. Which raises an obvious question: what’s the FCC doing to help make this happen? 

Chairman Pai’s Response to Sens Markey and Sullivan Regarding the FCC’s E-Rate Program

On March 7, Sens Ed Markey (D-MA) and Dan Sullivan (R-AK) wrote to Federal Communications Commission Chairman Ajit Pai to express concern about the transition by the Universal Service Administrative Co. (USAC) to a new vendor for reviewing E-Rate applications. On March 28, Chairman Pai responded by saying "USAC recently migrated to a new Business Process Outsourcing vendor to perform certain administrative functions for the E-Rate program.

Chairman Pai’s Response to Sens Markey, Wyden, and Blumenthal Regarding Practices of Wireless Internet Service Providers

On Feb 6, Sens Ed Markey (D-MA), Ron Wyden (D-OR), and Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) sent a letter to Federal Communications Commission Chairman Ajit Pai requesting the FCC "investigate allegations that the four major U.S.

Chairman Pai Testimony Before House Appropriations Subcommittee

Here are the Federal Communications Commission's priorities for the next year:

FCC Chairman Pai Statement On Withdrawal of Inmate Calling Merger

Based on a record of nearly 1 million documents comprised of 7.7 million pages of information submitted by the applicants, as well as arguments and evidence submitted by criminal justice advocates, consumer groups, and other commenters, FCC staff concluded that this deal posed significant competitive concerns and would not be in the public interest. I agree. I’m therefore pleased that the companies have determined that withdrawing their application is the best course.

Chairman Pai Remarks At USTelecom Forum on Broadband Mapping

Having accurate broadband deployment data is important to the Federal Communications Commission’s work for a lot of reasons. First, our decision-making should be based on rigorous analysis. Second, good broadband deployment data helps the Commission target our policies and resources as effectively as possible. And third, broadband deployment data empowers consumers. Accurate information on Internet access options can be useful if you’re moving to a new area and trying to decide where you want to live, or if you’re dissatisfied with your current service and want to change providers.

The Next Big Thing

The agenda for the Federal Communications Commission's April open meeting:

Chairman Pai Remarks at Georgia Chamber of Commerce

I'd like to give a brief high-level overview of the Federal Communications Commission's priorities and activities since I became Chairman in January 2017. In 2019, if you can’t get online, the field is tilted against you—whether you’re a student, entrepreneur, a farmer, or someone with a chronic healthcare issue. To highlight this digital divide, I’ve made it a point to get out of Washington (DC) whenever I can. I’ve seen firsthand the ways that digital technologies are transforming communities.

Chairman Pai’s Response Regarding the Investigation on Wireless Carriers Sharing Location Information Without Adequate Safeguards

On January 24, 2019, 15 senators sent Federal Communications Commission Chairman Ajit Pai a letter urging the FCC and the Federal Trade Commission to broadly investigate the sale of Americans' location data by wifeless carriers, location aggregators, and other third parties. On Feb 27, Chairman Pai replied: "As you know, the Commission launched an investigation of these practices last year. The Commission takes its responsibility in this regard seriously.

Chairman Pai’s Response to Rep. Gonzalez-Colon Regarding USTelecom Petition

On January 17, 2019, Rep. Jenniffer González-Colón (D-Puerto Rico) sent a letter to Federal Communications Commission Chairman Ajit Pai expressing concerns with a USTelecom petition requesting forbearance from the certain requirements of the section 251 (c) of the Communications Act. She is concerned that the level of competition in the Puerto Rico telecommunications sector is not similar to that of the rest of the United States and she wants to ensure that any relief did not impede network restoration and reconstruction efforts in Puerto Rico after Hurricane Maria.

Chairman Pai’s Response to Rep. Brindisi Regarding Affordable and Reliable Broadband

On January 25, 2019, Rep. Anthony Brindisi (D-NY) wrote to Federal Communications Commission Chairman Ajit Pai with concerns about Charter Communications. Rep Brindisi asked:

Chairman Pai’s Response to Concerns About the Proposed T-Mobile Sprint Merger

On February 12, 2019, 9 senators wrote to Federal Communications Commission Chairman Ajit Pai urging the FCC to reject the proposed merger between T-Mobile and Sprint. The senators said the deal is likely to raise prices for consumers, harm workers, stifle competition, exacerbate the digital divide, and undermine innovation. "Furthermore, we remain unconvinced that the merger would speed up the deployment of next-generation 5G networks or extend affordable coverage to all Americans," they wrote.

Chairman Pai’s Response to Rep. Biggs Regarding Unlicensed Spectrum

On December 20, 2018, five Members of Congress wrote to Federal Communications Commission Chairman Ajit Pai to urge the FCC to move forward with its 5.9 GHz proceeding and enable access to unlicensed technologies. On Feb 28, Chairman Pai answered saying the FCC would move forward to ensure that the 5.9 GHz band is put to its highest and best use taking into account current uses and new opportunities for increased use.

Chairman Pai Remarks at FCC Symposium on Media Diversity

I moved quickly to re-charter the Federal Communications Commission’s Advisory Committee on Diversity and Digital Empowerment, which had gone dormant. When it was chartered in July 2017, I charged the Committee’s leaders with developing real-world solutions to spur diversity and digital empowerment in under-served communities. I asked them to bring recommendations that could be quickly implemented in order to get solutions to the public rapidly. One of the deliverables to come out of this Advisory Committee is today’s workshop. And have they ever delivered!

Chairman Pai Remarks at Women in Cable Telecommunications Conference

Allow me to make a few brief points about why Women in Cable Telecommunications (WICT) is an important organization whose longevity should be celebrated. First, WICT opens doors. Second, WICT develops talent. Third, WICT creates role models. WICT demands our attention and deserves our respect. For four decades, you have empowered women in the cable industry and the sector is better for it. Congratulations on your 40th anniversary. Here’s to many more.