Digital Discrimination, Pole Replacements, Telehealth on FCC March Agenda

The FCC "has been working non-stop" to expand access to broadband with "a big assist from Congress," blogged Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel Tuesday. Commissioners will consider a notice of inquiry on digital discrimination, a rulemaking on pole replacement disputes, and a fourth round of connected care pilot program recipients during the agency's March 16 commissioners' meeting.

Rosenworcel announced during a virtual event Tuesday on connecting Black communities that the agency would release the draft NOI (see 2202220047). "Your zip code shouldn't determine your access to broadband," Rosenworcel wrote. The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act required the FCC to adopt rules combating digital discrimination, or redlining. The item would seek comments on what those rules should be, Rosenworcel said, noting a cross-agency task force "will support this effort."

"Easy, predictable access to poles can significantly speed the deployment and lower the cost of broadband infrastructure," Rosenworcel wrote, announcing commissioners will consider a rulemaking on pole replacement disputes. The item would explore "ways to expedite the resolution" of disputes and establish "clear standards for when and how utilities and attachers must share in the costs of a pole replacement" when there's a new attachment request.

The FCC last acted on pole replacements in 2020, issuing a declaratory ruling in lieu of acting on an NCTA petition for clarification on pole replacements in unserved areas (see 2101190027). The Edison Electric Institute filed a petition for declaratory ruling in April asking the FCC to "clarify its refund rules" for pole attachments and to clarify the statute of limitations for complaint proceedings (see 2104210046).

Also on the agenda is another round of selections for the connected care pilot program. The fourth and final round will support broadband services with a focus on "connected care for veterans, maternal health and high-risk pregnancy, public health epidemics, opioid dependency, mental health, and chronic conditions," Rosenworcel wrote. Commissioners approved the last round of projects in October, with $69.3 million of the $100 million program being approved to date (see 2110260067).

Commissioners will also consider an adjudicatory matter from the Media Bureau and a national security matter, Rosenworcel said.