FCC chairman cited false broadband data in spite of warnings

Pai went on to correct the data in Might 2019, however maintained that broadband was reaching Individuals in a “affordable and well timed style.” The hole was significantly bigger than he claimed, although. The place the Chairman initially claimed that individuals with out entry dropped from 26.1 million in late 2016 to 19.four million a yr later, there have been really 21.three million individuals with out quick web service. That additionally doesn’t consider issues about inaccurate data gathering methods.

These findings don’t essentially present the FCC was knowingly utilizing false information. Nevertheless, they at the least signifies the regulator wasn’t heeding quite a few purple flags. The Pai-era FCC has made rural broadband considered one of its prime priorities, committing billions to the trigger, however studies like this solid doubt on its progress claims.