FCC Should Secure Improvements for Internet Essentials From Comcast/TWC, Says CETF
The FCC should secure public interest benefits and improvements to the Comcast Internet Essentials program if it approves Comcast's planned buy of Time Warner Cable, the California Emerging Technology Fund told FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler aides Gigi Sohn, Maria Kirby…
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and Phil Verveer in a meeting Tuesday, according to an ex parte filing in docket 14-57. CETF “does not support or oppose" the deal, but said the FCC should secure an improved sign-up process and fewer eligibility restrictions for Internet Essentials in the transaction. CETF also wants specific performance goals for the program, an independent advisory committee and a requirement for Comcast to offer a stand-alone Internet program. “Comcast should capitalize a fund to be administered by an independent third party to fund outreach and actual sign-ups of eligible low income subscribers by community-based organizations (CBO’s) to the target population,” CETF said. It said CBOs have had difficulty working with Comcast.