10/1 Ex Parte Notice of Meeting with the Office of Commissioner Starks

New America's Open Technology Institute (OTI) met with Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Commissioner Geoffrey Starks’ Special Advisor, Alisa Valentin, to discuss broadband mapping and availability data, OTI's opposition to a harmful petition to the E-Rate program, and OTI's opposition to the T-Mobile/Sprint merger and the process behind the FCC's review. OTI filed an ex parte notice of this meeting accordingly.

Specifically, OTI argued that the FCC should collect broadband pricing data to ensure that the agency understands the full extent of the affordability gap to the digital divide. High cost of broadband remains one of the biggest, if not the biggest, barrier to broadband adoption in the United States, but no government agency actually collects information detailing how much broadband costs across the country. OTI also urged the FCC to continue to publish broadband availability data in a machine-readable format to promote transparency and allow outside researchers to delve into the data to reveal other realities about the digital divide.

OTI reiterated arguments against a petition filed by three carriers calling for the FCC to open up a rulemaking proceeding to potentially prohibit universal service funds from from ever going to an area served by an incumbent. OTI wrote and filed comments in that proceeding opposing the petition with Access Humboldt, National Consumer Law Center, on behalf of its low-income clients, Next Century Cities, Public Knowledge, and United Church of Christ, OC Inc. all signing onto the comments as well. OTI argued that the petition, if granted, would damage the E-Rate market, and would in turn hurt the teachers and students who rely on the networks that these funds help build. Further, the petition ignores the fact that the FCC has already implemented reforms to that applicants for E-Rate funds use the most cost-effective methods to use universal service funds. Additionally, the petition does not provide enough evidence to justify the FCC making such drastic changes that would undermine the very mission of the program.

Finally, OTI reiterated arguments against T-Mobile's proposed acquisition of Sprint. OTI filed a petition to deny the merger due to the fact that the deal would raise consumer prices, eliminate choice, jeopardize the Lifeline program, and lead to job cuts. Common Cause, Consumers Union, Public Knowledge, and the Writers Guild of America West filed the comments in tandem with OTI.