Federal Communications Commission	"FCC  XX-XXX"


STATEMENT OF 
COMMISSIONER BRENDAN CARR

Re: 	Improving Competitive Broadband Access to Multiple Tenant Environments, Report and Order and Declaratory Ruling, GN Docket No. 17-142 (February 15, 2022).

Americans love getting more choice and seeing stronger competition for their broadband dollars.  And these outcomes are furthered by the FCC’s work to bridge the digital divide.  In some cases, that means adopting policies that enable providers to pull thousands of miles of fiber over the vast the distances that stretch across rural America.  In others, that means policies that allow providers to cover the last few feet to a consumer’s home.  The latter presents unique challenges when it comes to serving consumers that live in apartments and condos or what we refer to here as “multi-tenant environments” (MTEs).  That is why I am pleased to support today’s MTE decision.
With our vote today, the FCC acts to ensure competitive choice for those living and working in MTEs.  We do so by adopting new rules prohibiting providers from entering into certain types of revenue sharing agreements that could otherwise be used to evade our existing consumer protections.  We do so by adopting new rules requiring providers to disclose the existence of exclusive marketing arrangements in simple, easy-to-understand language.  And we do so by clarifying the Commission’s existing prohibitions on “sale-and-leaseback” arrangements, which can effectively deny access to alternative providers.  These are important actions that align with Commission precedents as well as the iron laws of economics.  
I want to express my thanks to Chairwoman Rosenworcel for her decision to bring this item forward for a vote.  It has my support.



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