FCC Enforcement Action Reclaims Valuable Public Airwaves For Americans
FCC Enforcement Action Reclaims Valuable Public Airwaves For Americans
FCC Enforcement Action Reclaims Valuable Public Airwaves For Americans

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    Today, the Federal Communications Commission announced a consent decree settling an enforcement action against Straight Path Wireless. Straight Path consistently reported it was using its exclusive federal licenses to provide service to consumers, when in fact they were not offering any service and did not have equipment capable of offering service. The settlement requires a payment of $100 million and returns these valuable licenses to the FCC for use for 5G services.

    The following can be attributed to Harold Feld, Senior Vice President at Public Knowledge:

    “Once again, FCC Enforcement Bureau Chief Travis LeBlanc has shown the value of vigorous enforcement of FCC rules. Those who hold exclusive licenses to use the public airwaves must be held accountable when they fail in their responsibilities to the public interest.

    “Ironically, the wireless companies that have complained loudest about Chief LaBlanc’s vigorous enforcement of FCC rules will be among the chief beneficiaries of today’s action. The consent decree returns about a thousand licenses that the wireless industry needs to offer next-generation wireless (5G) service. It is an important reminder that everyone benefits when the FCC is serious about enforcing its rules, even if companies don’t particularly like it.”

    Members of the media may contact Communications Director Shiva Stella with inquiries, interview requests, or to join the Public Knowledge press list at shiva@publicknowledge.org or 405-249-9435.