WASHINGTON, D.C. (August 7, 2015): On August 6, 2015, the Multicultural Media, Telecom and Internet Council (MMTC) filed an amicus curiae brief asking the DC Circuit Court of Appeals to vacate the FCC’s Open Internet Order reclassifying broadband Internet access service as a Title II public utility service. MMTC challenged the Commission’s disregard for the adverse consequences that Title II reclassification will have on accelerating broadband opportunities for unserved and underserved communities.
“MMTC supports the FCC’s actions to protect and promote an open Internet. We, along with more than 45 national civil rights, social service, and professional organizations, as part of the proceedings, outlined our concern about the consequences of imposing antiquated rules on 21st century opportunities for disadvantaged communities,” stated Kim M. Keenan, MMTC’s President and CEO. “Our brief speaks for those communities that are on the wrong or unconnected side of the digital divide. Broadband access is tantamount to the creation of net equality for historically disadvantaged populations. America cannot afford to leave any community behind.”
MMTC further stated in the brief that the FCC’s decision to reclassify broadband Internet as a public utility service will negatively impact both investment and innovation in broadband, thwarting the introduction of creative new service offerings and choices, such as ad-supported packages and zero-rate products, that could address disparities in the affordability of broadband for low-income consumers. MMTC also highlighted how the impact of Title II on wireless investments could serve to widen, rather than narrow, the digital divide for communities that have been heavily reliant on these services.
“The FCC is obligated to serve the public interest and consider all Americans and relevant factors in their rulemakings,” Keenan stated. “The FCC’s failure to address the adverse impact of its Order on the digitally disadvantaged is why MMTC believes the decision is arbitrary and capricious and should be vacated.”
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About MMTC:
The Multicultural Media, Telecom and Internet Council (MMTC) is a non-partisan, national nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting and preserving equal opportunity and civil rights in the mass media, telecommunications and broadband industries, and closing the digital divide. MMTC is generally recognized as the nation’s leading advocate for minority advancement in communications.
