Clyburn Welcomes State Broadband Privacy Efforts, Cites Reasons Against Title II Repeal

when it comes to the protection," she told a Southeastern Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners conference Monday, according to written remarks. "While I do not believe that any in the SEARUC member region have done so, over a dozen other states have introduced broadband privacy bills and I firmly believe that these federal and state privacy efforts do not have to be combative; they can be complementary. My goal of putting #ConsumersFirst holds true for privacy as well, which for me means that people and businesses who use broadband internet service should not reside in a regulation-free zone." FCC Chairman Ajit Pai and FTC acting Chairman Maureen Ohlhausen plan to harmonize internet privacy protections. Clyburn said FCC-proposed repeal of its 2015 broadband classification as a Communications Act Title II telecom service would "take away our strongest legal authority" for using USF to subsidize broadband, complicating "the fight to close the digital divide" and, potentially, state USF programs. She suggested it would be "mutually beneficial" for the FCC to adopt a nationwide Lifeline eligible telecom carrier application process accepted by all states. Clyburn said a Title II reversal also would add uncertainty to pole attachments and undercut FCC ability to use Section 253 to pre-empt state and local telecom barriers to tower siting and rights-of-way. She urged state regulators to work to reduce inmate calling service rates.