On July 19th, Multicultural Media, Telecom and Internet Council (MMTC) hosted a symposium with four former FCC chairs where they discussed the current state of the connectivity in the US and their hopes for the future on 5G, FCC policies, broadband deployment, digital divide and infrastructure.

The symposium began with a conversation about the current digital divide. Hon. William Kennard (1997-2001) expressed that the digital divide is hard to close because “technology is consistently changing and some people get access to the newest and the fastest before others.” Hon. Mignon Clyburn (2013) stated, “every sector of our economy is dependent on broadband access” and one of the biggest challenges is a “lack of interoperability.” And while it is important to close the digital divide, Hon. Richard Wiley (1974-1977) added that it is critical to “educate American citizens on how to use the new online, equipment, online programs.”

On the topic of FCC’s contribution to the infrastructure package and 5G deployment, the former chairs focused on mobility, robust, creative legislative solutions, USF and affordable offerings. 

Hon. Kennard and Hon. Wiley applauded Hon. Ajit Pai (2017-2021) on his work on spectrum management, emphasizing it was “a significant contribution in establishing the future of the commercial wireless business” and “to be able to have the kind of mid-band spectrum which combines both speed and propagation was very important in the international race.” Hon. Clyburn added that “unlicensed spectrum was critical to Wi-Fi and was a game-changer during the Trump pandemic to allow kids to study and parents to work at home.” 

Hon. Wiley concluded by saying he “hoped that Democrats and Republicans continue to work together,” and Hon. Clyburn added that it would be advantageous to “increase competition and inclusion.” 

Click here to read more about FCC’s broadband initiatives. Here is a video of the full symposium.