Chairman Pai Hears From Broadband And Telephone Service Providers That Traffic Is Up But Networks Are Performing Well

Federal Communications Commission Chairman Ajit Pai spoke April 1 with broadband and telephone service providers and trade association leaders about the state of American communications networks as volume and usage patterns shift during the coronavirus pandemic. The Chairman heard from providers across the country who reported network usage had risen about 20-35% for fixed networks and 10-20% for cellular networks in recent weeks, with increased demand in suburban, exurban, and residential areas and during daytime hours. In general, company representatives reported that their networks were holding up quite well, and they expected that resilience to continue. This is consistent with what the Chairman heard during a similar call led by President Donald Trump on March 31.