ALA Denounces Recent FCC Lifeline Revocations, Report Retractions

UPDATE: We’ve embedded the full text of the retracted report and retraction announcement below.
UPDATE: We’ve linked to statements from the FCC Chairman and Other FCC About the Decisions Made on Friday.
From the ALA:

On February 3, 2017, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) revoked all of the designations of Lifeline Broadband Providers and ordered the retraction of multiple reports, including the “E-rate Modernization Progress Report” and “Improving the Nation’s Digital Infrastructure.”
The American Library Association (ALA) is dismayed by these actions to reduce digital opportunity and revise the public record. ALA President Julie Todaro released the following statement.
“The American Library Association (ALA) strenuously objects to recent actions by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). First, the ALA is alarmed by the sudden revocation of the nine Lifeline Broadband Provider designations. Reducing options for Lifeline broadband services is a step back in efforts to close the homework gap and digital divide, and is at odds with Chairman Pai’s stated desire to advance digital empowerment. The 2016 Lifeline modernization order represented a critical milestone in our national commitment to connect low-income Americans to the broadband that powers educational and economic opportunity. ALA and our nation’s 120,000 libraries are committed to advancing digital opportunity for all, and we urge the FCC to increase the number of broadband options available for Lifeline customers.
“The ALA also calls for the FCC to maintain an accurate and complete historical record. While new FCC leadership may have new policy directions, the public record should not be permanently altered. Governmental agencies must be accountable in this regard. We urge the reversal of the retraction decisions and an agreement that the FCC will not order the removal of any other documents from the public record. Such actions undermine the credibility of the FCC and Chairman Pai’s recent move to increase transparency of the Commission’s rulemaking.
“Full and public debate with the accompanying historical record preserved on these foundational internet issues that affect every person in this country should be the standard we expect and demand.”

In the Matter of E-rate Modernization Progress Report (via FCC) by LJ’s infoDOCKET on Scribd

FCC: E‐rate Modernization Progress Report (DOC-343099A1) by LJ’s infoDOCKET on Scribd

Comments From FCC Chairman and Commissoners

Filed under: Associations and Organizations, Data Files, Libraries, Management and Leadership, News, Reports