Possible FCC Shift Could Wipe Out $100 Million AT&T Fine

The Federal Communications Commission’s record-breaking $100 million proposed fine against AT&T may soon be relegated to the dustbin.

The blockbuster fine, which the commission’s Enforcement Bureau proposed in 2015 for the company’s wireless network management practices, could be an early casualty of new Chairman Ajit Pai’s intent to shake up the agency. He appears particularly eager to make his mark on the Enforcement Bureau.

Changes to the FCC’s enforcement procedures and focus could be among the actions with the most impact on both consumers and the telecommunications industry, including companies such as AT&T. Among the possible changes: a requirement that the commission wrap up enforcement cases within a year of announcing proposed fines. Chairman Pai is considering ideas for speeding up the FCC’s enforcement process, and a one-year limit “is certainly one idea that is on the table,” said agency spokesman Will Wiquist. “If a company has violated the Commission’s rules, the FCC shouldn’t be waiting years before imposing a financial penalty.” Such a move could lead to the commission simply dropping its case against AT&T.