Statement of NCTA – The Internet & Television Association Regarding Introduction of the Affordable Connectivity Program Improvement and Extension Act of 2024
“We commend Rep. Brandon Williams (R-NY) on the introduction of the Affordable Connectivity Program Improvement and Extension Act of 2024. With over 22 million American households now relying on the ACP for vital internet connectivity, continuing the program helps bridge the digital divide and the important mission of connecting every citizen to reliable high-speed internet service. ACP has been a success story and Rep. Williams’ legislation will help to ensure that it continues to receive funding.”
Statement of NCTA – The Internet & Television Association Regarding Sen. Cantwell’s Discussion Draft of the Spectrum and National Security Act
"We applaud the release of Senate Commerce Committee Chair Cantwell’s discussion draft of the Spectrum and National Security Act, legislation that will improve spectrum planning and coordination required to build a future-focused spectrum policy that supports innovation, competition and seamless connectivity. In particular, we welcome the bill’s thoughtful approach to the study of new bands that can enable commercial use through greater reliance on the development, design and implementation of coexistence technologies that support licensed and unlicensed services. The current use and
Statement of Michael Powell, President & CEO of NCTA – The Internet & Television Association Regarding the FCC’s Unnecessary and Unlawful Broadband Regulation Order
"Today’s action is the latest installment of a long-running campaign to establish FCC control of the internet. This is a politically-motivated reversal of prior law, not an exercise in evidence-based rulemaking. There is no evidence of a problem to be solved. "We have a national interest in preserving a dynamic, innovative internet. Consumers were able to work and learn from home during the pandemic because broadband providers were free to invest in and improve their networks without the drag of public utility regulation. Public utilities are notorious for chronic underinvestment and glacial
Hanser Joins NCTA’s Legal Team
Washington, D.C. – NCTA – The Internet & Television Association today announced the addition of Russ Hanser to its Legal team as Deputy Chief Legal Officer. Hanser joins NCTA from the U.S. Department of Commerce, where he served as NTIA Associate Administrator for Policy Analysis and Development, Senior Policy Advisor to Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo, and Director of Communications Policy Initiatives at NTIA. In these roles, Hanser led efforts relating to broadband subsidy programs arising from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, cybersecurity, supply chain integrity, artificial
Statement of Michael Powell, NCTA President & CEO, Regarding the American Privacy Rights Act
"In today's digital age where our lives increasingly unfold online, it's crucial that consumers have confidence that their personal data will be kept secure and used in line with reasonable expectations. We welcome the arrival of the American Privacy Rights Act, a new bipartisan privacy draft released by House and Senate Commerce Committee Chairs McMorris Rodgers and Cantwell and the efforts being made to bridge past divides that have slowed our progress. It is important that a streamlined national privacy standard balances robust consumer protections with the practical needs of the online
Statement of NCTA President & CEO Michael Powell Regarding the FCC’s April 25 Vote to Reimpose Heavy-Handed Title II Regulation on Broadband Networks
“In the absence of any harm, the FCC is barreling ahead with a backward-looking, unnecessary proposal. Its repeated legal flip-flopping has become a tiresome political ritual unmoored from congressional direction that radically upends what should be a stable regulatory environment. But this time, reimposing heavy-handed regulation will not just hobble network investment and innovation, it will also seriously jeopardize our nation’s collective efforts to build and sustain reliable broadband in rural and unserved communities. We urge the FCC to reverse course to avoid years of litigation and
Statements of NCTA – The Internet & Television Association Regarding Actions at Today’s FCC Meeting
Comment on the Section 706 Report “Today’s decision is a missed opportunity for the FCC to acknowledge the substantial and undeniable progress that has been made in deploying broadband to all Americans, and to take credit for its role in that success. “Indeed, just two days ago, the FCC’s own annual performance report stated that ‘this past year at the agency will be remembered for our progress toward [the] objective’ of ensuring 100% broadband coverage. The FCC’s decision not to recognize this progress in today’s report seems to be driven by an effort to bolster its regulatory authority more
Statement of NCTA – The Internet & Television Association Regarding the Release of the Implementation Plan for the National Spectrum Strategy
“Today's release of the Implementation Plan for the National Spectrum Strategy importantly outlines a schedule and process for new work that will engage all relevant stakeholders in exploring how additional spectrum can be made available for commercial use. The cable industry is confident that a focus on innovative and pragmatic approaches to co-existence can benefit consumers and enterprises through faster access to spectrum enabled through spectrum sharing, as well as supporting the continued growth of Wi-Fi and the unlicensed economy. As this work continues, we pledge to roll up our sleeves
Statement of NCTA – The Internet & Television Association Regarding the FCC’s Cybersecurity Labeling Program for Connected Smart Products
“We commend the FCC for establishing the first voluntary cybersecurity labeling program for connected smart products. Cable providers are committed to protecting consumers by maintaining strong cybersecurity practices and enhancing the security of devices connecting to the network. The FCC’s new voluntary “Cyber Trust Mark” program, if adopted, would be an important first step that will help consumers make informed choices when shopping for IoT products. We look forward to continuing our work with the FCC and other stakeholders on this important initiative.”
Statement of NCTA – The Internet & Television Association Regarding House Passage of the Bipartisan Tax Package
“We applaud the House for passage of the bipartisan tax package (H.R. 7024). The cable industry has invested over $310 billion in the past two decades to improve the next-generation broadband platform that is powering the economy and empowering consumers everywhere. As the country targets efforts to connect every community to broadband, it is important to maintain private sector investment to continue enhancing this essential infrastructure that keeps Americans connected. We look forward to the Senate passing this important legislation.”