FCC Highlights Consumer Protection in Report as Wheeler Writes in CNET
Recent FCC efforts in the name of protecting consumers and promoting competition include last year's open Internet order, 2014's update of minimum benchmark broadband speeds and adopting new rules earlier this year modernizing the Lifeline program, the agency said Wednesday,…
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as Chairman Tom Wheeler wrote an opinion piece on the subject. Of the 14-page report, 10 pages are bullet-point synopses of various policy decisions, orders and enforcement actions in five categories. Under open networks, the FCC pointed to its work on cracking down on Wi-Fi blocking and modernization of the E-rate program. Under protecting competition, the FCC highlighted its spectrum aggregation policy revisions. Under consumer protection, the agency mentioned robocalling limits and nixing the sports blackout rule. Under strengthening emergency communications, it cited its rules promoting text-to-911 availability and updating wireless emergency alerts. For consumer empowerment, the FCC pointed to creation of its mobile broadband speed test app and Consumer Help Center. Wednesday on CNET, Wheeler wrote, "Thanks to advances in communications technology, there's never been a better -- or more complex -- time to be a US consumer. Faced with many challenges, Americans should know that the FCC works every day to protect consumers." He also talked up the broadband privacy and set-top box proceedings now before the agency, saying the privacy order on October's agenda will "give consumers the tools they need to make informed decisions about how ISPs use and share their data." A draft order circulated earlier this month, and may get a 3-2 vote (see 1610060031). He also said the set-top proposal the commissioners are considering "would end the set-top box stranglehold" by letting consumers access their pay-TV content via free apps and would give viewers "a better viewing experience thanks to integrated search and new innovation that will flow from enhanced competitive choice." The set-top item has been seen as possibly stalled, with many eyes on what Commissioner Jessica Rosenworcel will do (see 1610180052).