Remarks of Commissioner Geoffrey Starks at State of the Net 2021

My top priority for the coming weeks is getting emergency broadband access to as many Americans as possible. If we’re successful, the Emergency Broadband Benefit will reach more disconnected low-income people and households of color than any previous Federal Communications Commission effort to close the digital divide. But Congress has—quite reasonably under the circumstances—given us just 60 days to set up the program. There are lots of details to work out, and I am focusing, most immediately, on two issues: First, how will we get the word out? The second issue is encouraging broadband providers to participate voluntarily.

We need to bring that transformative experience to millions more households, and beyond the Emergency Broadband Benefit, there are additional concrete steps the Commission should take. First, Lifeline needs an update. Second, we need to make sure that the FCC’s investments in infrastructure lead to service that American families can actually afford. Third, we need to update our E-Rate program with badly needed flexibility. Finally, I’m eager to work with congressional leaders to expand the Commission’s ability to respond to the affordability challenge. Congress should build on the bipartisan support for the Emergency Broadband Benefit and accelerate efforts to make broadband affordable.