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See MCI v. FCC, 515 F.2d 385 (D.C. Cir. 1974).
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: NEWS MEDIA CONTACT:
January 14, 2015 Robin Colwell, (202) 418-2013
Robin.Colwell@fcc.gov
STATEMENT OF COMMISSIONER MICHAEL O’RIELLY ON 
MUNICIPAL BROADBAND
It is clear that this Administration doesn’t believe in the independent nature of the FCC.  
It is disappointing that the Commission’s leadership is without a sufficient backbone to do what 
is right and reject this blatant and unnecessary interference designed to further a political goal. 
Substantively, this missive is completely without  statutory authority and would be a good 
candidate for court review, if adopted.  In reality, this debate is about preempting a state’s right 
to prevent taxpayer rip-offs.  Municipal broadband has never proven to be the panacea that 
supporters claim and the Administration now boasts. Instead, we have seen a long track record 
of projects costing more than expected and delivering less than promised.