From the Document: As some states and localities have paused re-opening efforts in response to recent increases in COVID-19 [coronavirus disease 2019] cases, internet access continues to serve a critical role to help many individuals work, learn, and receive healthcare from home The Federal Communications Commission (FCC or Commission) has encouraged internet service providers to expand internet access and ensure that networks can support increased traffic A centerpiece of the FCC's approach in the early stages of the COVID-19 emergency was the Keep Americans Connected Pledge Internet providers who took the voluntary pledge promised to waive late fees and not disconnect a customer's service through June 30 [ ] This Legal Sidebar discusses how the FCC's statutory authority under the Communications Act applies to broadband internet access The Sidebar concludes with a brief discussion of how the FCC's interpretation of its statutory authority has shaped the Commission's response to COVID-19 and the congressional role in regulating broadband access COVID-19 (Disease);Internet access;United States Federal Communications Commission
Regulating Internet Access: Lessons from COVID-19 [July 20, 2020]