Clyburn Remains Convinced FCC Made Right Calls in Net Neutrality Order

The FCC made the right decisions in February in its net neutrality order, Commissioner Mignon Clyburn told the Greater D.C. Chapter of the National Association of Women Business Owners. “Those of us who voted to support the Order have and will continue to take some heat, but I firmly believe this approach is in the best interest of the people we have pledged to serve, including the small and medium-sized business owners in this room,” Clyburn said in the text of the speech posted Thursday. Clyburn also stressed the importance of expanding the Lifeline program. An order and further rulemaking on Lifeline are teed up for a vote at the FCC’s June 18 meeting (see 1505280037). There are issues with Lifeline but the “level of criticism the program has received is not entirely justified,” she said. Clyburn said current efforts to reshape the program started in 2013 when she was acting chairwoman. “Like many of you, I know what it is to be underestimated, under-appreciated and misunderstood,” she said. “When I was appointed Acting Chair of the FCC, many concluded that I would be a mere bench warmer, accepting the title and the perks, but hanging out until the permanent appointee assumed the post. But like many of you, being underestimated, under-appreciated and misunderstood just causes me to shift into this highly motivated, hyper-driven state -- where I do as much as I can for as long as I am able.”