The FCC has implemented the first bipartisan broadband access anti-discrimination law to ensure that Americans have equal access to reliable high-speed broadband services without facing discrimination based on race, ethnicity, color, religion, national origin, or income level. Under these new rules, the FCC: (1) can protect consumers by evaluating companies’ policies and practices to determine if they impede equal access to broadband service without adequate justification; (2) can investigate potential instances of broadband access discrimination, work with companies to solve problems, facilitate mediation, and penalize companies for violating the rules; and (3) will review digital discrimination consumer complaints through an improved consumer complaint portal. The FCC has also adopted model policies and best practices that will support state, local, and Tribal governments in combatting digital discrimination.
