Media Contact: 
Anne Veigle
anne.veigle@fcc.gov

For Immediate Release

FCC APPROVES NOTICE TO GATHER COMMENT ON HOW TO COMBAT DIGITAL DISCRIMINATION 
Seeks Input on How to Promote Equal Access to Broadband Service
  -- 
WASHINGTON, March 16, 2022—The Federal Communications Commission today opened a  proceeding on how to prevent and eliminate digital discrimination to ensure that everyone has equal access to broadband internet access service.  The Notice of Inquiry starts the process of establishing a shared understanding of the harms experienced by historically excluded and marginalized communities, with the intent of making meaningful policy reforms and systems improvements.

The Notice asks for comment on how to implement provisions in the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act that require the FCC to combat digital discrimination, and to promote equal access to broadband across the country, regardless of income level, ethnicity, race, religion, or national origin.

Specifically, the FCC seeks input on the following questions: 

· What rules the Commission should adopt to facilitate equal access to broadband internet access service and prevent digital discrimination;
· What other steps the Commission should take to eliminate digital discrimination;
· What data the Commission should rely on as it considers the issue of digital discrimination; and
· How the Commission should revise its public complaint process to accept complaints related to digital discrimination.

Per the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, the FCC is tasked with several directives to combat digital discrimination and redlining, including those addressed in the Notice.  Last month, Chairwoman Rosenworcel announced the formation of a cross-agency task force focused on preventing digital discrimination.  The task force will oversee the development of model policies and best practices states and local governments can adopt that ensure ISPs do not engage in digital discrimination.  In accordance with the law, these collective initiatives must be completed by November 2023.

Action by the Commission March 16, 2022 by Notice of Inquiry (FCC 22-21).  Chairwoman Rosenworcel, Commissioners Carr, Starks, and Simington approving.  Chairwoman Rosenworcel and Commissioner Starks issuing separate statements.

GN Docket No. 22-69

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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).