Mobile-Only Challenge Targets Possible FCC Broadband Standard Change in Sec. 706 Review
Ten groups announced a "#MobileOnly challenge" to highlight concerns with possible FCC action to "lower broadband standards" in its Telecom Act Section 706 inquiry into whether advanced telecom capability (ATC) is being deployed adequately to all Americans. The challenge next month will call attention to an agency "proposal" to "consider an internet connection on a single mobile device the same as a 'fixed' broadband connection" at home, Next Century Cities said Monday.
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Supporters said the challenge will make clear mobile broadband isn't enough, an industry attorney suggested it's a "stunt," and an FCC spokeswoman said "the challenge is seeking to call attention to a proposal that does not exist." An ATC notice of inquiry proposed to keep a 25/3 Mbps benchmark for fixed service but sought comment on other possible benchmarks, including a 10/1 Mbps mobile benchmark and whether that might be a separate way to achieve the statutory deployment mandate. Commissioners Mignon Clyburn and Jessica Rosenworcel voiced objections to the potentials shift. The ATC report is due Feb. 4, 180 days after the NOI's release, said the agency spokeswoman.
Clyburn and Rosenworcel agreed to take the challenge, which will run Jan. 1-31. Participants will spend one day using only their mobile devices to access the internet, eschewing use of desktop devices or laptops with fixed connections, and documenting their experiences using the hashtag #MobileOnly, said Next Century Cities. It was joined by Public Knowledge, New America’s Open Technology Institute, the National Hispanic Media Coalition (release here), Institute for Local Self-Reliance, Nonprofit Technology Network, Schools, Health and Libraries Broadband Coalition, National Digital Inclusion Alliance, Mobile Citizen and EveryoneOn.
"Contrary to those who claim that mobile broadband services provide effective competitive pressure on fixed broadband providers, promoting deployment of mobile broadband services alone is not sufficient to bridge digital divides in underserved rural and urban communities," Clyburn said in the releases. "By standing together through this movement, we will demonstrate why it is so essential for all Americans to have access to a robust fixed broadband connection.” Other commissioner offices didn't comment to us.
Debbie Goldman, Communications Workers for America telecom policy director, emailed: "Wireless is not a substitute for a wireline high-speed broadband connection. People, businesses, schools, libraries and government agencies need both -- and the Mobile Only Challenge will make that crystal clear."
"The 'mobile only' challenge strikes me as a stunt, and not an experiment," emailed Butzel Long attorney Stephen Goodman, who represents Adtran in the 706 review. "There is no way to assess whether the 'mobile only' service that the people will be relying on actually provides 10/1 Mbps service, so they may not be making a valid comparison. Nor would we be able to know if the services/apps or combination of services/apps their mobile device is accessing fall within the 'advanced telecommunications capability' that Section 706 addresses. ... Any self-reporting may not be unbiased -- I am not sure if someone takes the challenge and finds the service sufficient, that they will report that via the hashtag, or if only perceived problems will be reported."
Will Rinehart, American Action Forum director-technology and innovation policy, said: "While there are only a few studies on the topic, evidence suggests that wireless broadband does have a positive effect on the quality of fixed wireline broadband providers." Companies "like C Spire, CenturyLink, and Verizon have shown there’s an interest in offering fixed wireless service," he said. "Wireless shouldn’t be counted out."