Washington – The Federal Communications Commission was set to vote on reforms to the market for Business Data Services (BDS); however, that proposal and three other items were removed from the Commissioners’ agenda today.
The following can be attributed to CCIA President & CEO Ed Black:
“We are disappointed that after over a decade of work and careful study, the BDS proposal was pulled at the 11th hour. It deserves a vote. Going forward, we hope that the FCC and Congress will seriously consider reform as the BDS marketplace is still rigged in favor of incumbents. Without action, consumers and businesses will continue to bear the brunt of systemic overcharges.
“Business data services are a crucial input for a broad array of businesses, including small businesses. Paying monopoly prices for dedicated Internet connections limits their ability to expand their business and create jobs. If policymakers want real, broad-based economic growth that helps the average consumer, this is exactly the type of reform they should be championing.”