2011 has been an interesting year in telecommunications and technology for consumers. While some issues have been resolved, others are still on hold and waiting in the wings for 2012. Here are some of the highlights I’ve observed during this past year.
First, the major consumer issue addressed in 2011 is the FCC’s action to take steps toward much needed reform of the Universal Service Fund. The FCC’s USF/ICC order follows through on one of the goals of the National Broadband Plan. It initiates a transition to USF support for broadband and reforms Intercarrier Compensation.
Another important consumer action this year was the crafting of a resolution to a problem some consumers were having with unexpected charges on their bills — an issue also know as “bill shock.” The FCC, the wireless industry, and consumer leaders developed a plan to take important steps to help consumers confront this issue. In addition to industry actions, educating consumers about monthly costs and usage and providing them with helpful tools, will also be an important component in addressing bill shock.
In the later half of 2011, the FCC has also supported efforts for broadband adoption with the creation of Connect2Compete. This partnership of industry and non-profits will help deliver broadband, computers, software, and digital literacy training to low income kids and families. It’s an important first step in meeting the digital divide.
For consumers, there are still issues that need to be addressed and we look forward to 2012. The most critical is the need to make more spectrum available to address the rapidly accelerating growth of consumers’ mobile data usage. More needs to be done to get high speed broadband services to all of America, a key goal of this Administration. Let’s hope that we will see some actions in 2012 that will make that possible, including public and private initiatives.
The Hill has published its own views on what issues to look for in 2012 and has several at the top of the list to start the year. Here are a few from their list that I agree will be active policy issues on the Hill: 1) Cybersecurity — efforts to protect the nation’s networks in the digital age; 2) Online consumer privacy legislation. The Hill predicts that debates will continue, but that the FTC will likely continue to work with industry on agreements, rather than new legislation; 3) Net Neutrality — with a pending court challenge, the issue is expected to return in 2012; and 4) Consumer empowerment and education issues will also be on the policy agenda for 2012.
2011 witnessed some landmark telecommunications’ actions for consumers and I look forward to a productive 2012.
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