FCC Extends Deaf-Blind Equipment Pilot Program; O'Rielly Pushes Permanent Program
The FCC voted 5-0 to extend its National Deaf-Blind Equipment Distribution Program as a pilot program for another year until June 30, 2017. NDBEDP provides up to $10 million annually to support efforts that distribute communications equipment to low-income people…
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who are deaf-blind. "Extending the pilot program for an additional year will enable the NDBEDP to continue providing communications equipment to low-income individuals who are deaf-blind without interruption while the Commission completes the proceeding that is underway to adopt rules to govern a permanent NDBEDP," said the FCC order released Friday in docket 10-210. One FCC member had concerns. "I will reluctantly support the order extending the pilot program for another year to ensure the program is not interrupted, but I am beyond disappointed that the Commission was not able to complete rules for the permanent program during this past year," said Commissioner Mike O'Rielly in an accompanying statement. "This rulemaking has had the support of all five Commissioners and a number of outside parties, which does not happen too often. Moreover, the permanent program is actually authorized by law, whereas the pilot program is in a more questionable state. Perhaps if the Commission had prioritized this rulemaking over others, we could have adopted final rules by now." Separately and on Thursday, the FCC sought applications for the program in two states (see 1605270019).