Media Contact: Kim Hart, (202) 418-8191 kim.hart@fcc.gov For Immediate Release CHAIRMAN WHEELER STATEMENT ON OPEN INTERNET SMALL BUSINESS EXEMPTION EXTENSION -- WASHINGTON, December 15, 2015 – Federal Communications Commission Chairman Tom Wheeler issued the following statement today on the exemption extension: “The 2015 Open Internet Order requires broadband Internet access service providers to disclose certain information to better enable consumers to understand what they are buying. This includes disclosing information like full monthly charges, promotional rates, data caps and network performance. The Order provides a temporary exemption for broadband providers with 100,000 or fewer connections, and directed the Consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau to determine whether and, if so, how that exemption should continue before the end of the year. “The Order released today reflects the Bureau’s decision to grant an extension of this exemption until one year from today. This provides a reasonable period to assess the burden associated with the enhancements to the transparency rule, which will not be known until after the Paperwork Reduction Act process is completed. It would be premature to end the temporary exemption until the Bureau has had sufficient time to conduct a data-driven review of the burden through the PRA process. “At the heart of this issue is the right of broadband customers, including the nearly 7 million customers of these exempt providers, to have access to essential information about their service— while at the same time ensuring the Bureau is able to conduct a thorough fact-based review. “It’s also important to remember that all providers of broadband Internet service, including small providers, are already subject to the existing transparency rules adopted in 2010. Next December, I will present to the full Commission for their decision the facts, which are being developed, so they may make an informed decision on the policy issues.” ### Office of Media Relations: (202) 418-0500 TTY: (888) 835-5322 Twitter: @FCC www.fcc.gov/office-media-relations This is an unofficial announcement of Commission action. Release of the full text of a Commission order constitutes official action. See MCI v. FCC, 515 F.2d 385 (D.C. Cir. 1974).