This week, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) proposed final rules on preventing digital discrimination, which will be voted on by the Commission on November 15, 2023

In August, Senators Reverend Warnock, Luján urged the FCC to take action on rulemaking regarding digital discrimination

The August letter followed reporting from The Markup and the Associated Press that formerly redlined Atlanta neighborhoods were offered substandard internet deals

Senator Reverend Warnock: “Internet access is essential to work, school, accessing health care, and much more. It’s unacceptable that for some Georgians, your zip code decides your monthly internet bill”

Washington, D.C. – Following U.S. Senators Reverend Raphael Warnock (D-GA) and Ben Ray Luján’s (D-NM) efforts to urge the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to facilitate equal access to broadband internet in its rulemaking process, this week, FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel proposed final rules to prevent digital discrimination. According to the FCC, the new rules are designed to prevent both intentional and unintentional discrimination in access to broadband services based on income level, race, ethnicity, color, religion, and national origin. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law required the FCC to take steps to ensure that all Americans have equal access to broadband services and without discrimination based on the characteristics listed in the statute. The rules will be voted on by the full Commission on November 15, 2023. More information HERE.

“Internet access is essential to work, school, accessing health care, and much more. It’s unacceptable that for some Georgians, your zip code decides your monthly internet bill,” said Senator Reverend Warnock.“I’m proud that after months of pressure from myself and my colleague, Senator Luján, the Administration is making good on their word and following the direction of Congress.” 

Senator Warnock is a champion for securing robust federal investments in broadband access to every Georgian across the state. Since taking office, Senator Warnock has secured over $2.5 billion in federal dollars for Georgia broadband expansion and improvement. Most recently, the Senator announced $1.3 billion in Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program funding, which works to expand broadband and strengthen access to affordable, high-speed internet across our state, particularly for the estimated 15% of Georgians who currently lack reliable broadband access. Last year, Senator Warnock hosted FCC Chair Rosenworcel in Jackson County where he took her to meet with parents, students, and local officials about their broadband needs and the challenges they face. He also received a commitment from Rosenworcel to connect every Georgian to affordable and reliable broadband. The Senator has led the entire Georgia delegation in ensuring every dollar possible of federal broadband funding comes to the state through accurate broadband mapping. In a June Senate Commerce committee hearing, Senator Warnock pushed Federal Communications Commission (FCC) nominees on how the commission can work to ensure Georgians of all income levels are able to afford internet access. 

###