Washington, D.C. — CCIA has submitted a letter to the FCC, expressing its concerns about recent action proposed by FCC Chairman Ajit Pai on the dedicated broadband connections, called “Business Data Services.” BDS is used by a broad range of customers from wireless carriers, small businesses, to schools and hospitals. Last year, the FCC found that 97 percent of locations across the country have at most two BDS providers. However, the draft Report & Order would hold that having just one competitor “nearby” or within “a half mile” would be enough competition. In the meantime, consumers and businesses are suffering because the lack of competition has allowed incumbents to impose above market prices with anti-competitive terms and conditions.
The following comments can be attributed to Computer & Communications Industry Association President & CEO Ed Black:
“Last year, the FCC sought to address incumbent control of this crucial broadband input by developing an approach that stakeholders from all sides supported. Now, with a new Chairman, the FCC seems to be going in the opposite direction. But, the data hasn’t changed. CCIA is concerned that the FCC’s action would allow incumbents, who already control access to these crucial broadband bottlenecks, to arbitrarily hike their rates. We hope the FCC will focus on promoting competition and free enterprise and not let incumbents increase rates on small businesses, schools, and hospitals, who have few if any choices.”
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