executive order on social Media Companies. This is three hours and 25 minutes. [background sounds]. Good morning and welcome today hearing on the other side of the federal communications commission. And we have them here today. As a special welcome to our distinguished and all witnesses upon. Today we will hear from fcc chairman. In the commissioner and other commissioners. The fcc is the nations primary regulator and later state International Communications network. The core part of the agencys vision is to ensure that all people in the United States have access to rapid efficient and nationwide Communication Services at reasonable prices. Never before has the fccs responsibility to achieve this mission been more important. In the covid19 Public Health emergency experts a spotlight the Nations Communications networks in the American Peoples access to Broadband Services. Since march there has been a dramatic and sustained surge and internet usage. But the u. S. Network has performed well and we are very much better than other countries and in meeting this increased demand. This is to be applauded but there still more work to be done of course. Today there are far too Many Americans that are underserved and lack Affordable Access through any broad than connection whatever. I appreciate the fccs continued efforts. It and close the Digital Divide in a secure u. S. Leadership in the next Generation Communications technologies. Especially during this pandemic. Through the commissions keep americans connecting flight pledge from over 700 providers have voluntarily committed not to terminate Broadband Services to any residential or Small Business customers because in the ability or inability to pay the bills. This is been pivotal in keeping Many Americans connected. Clearly the businesses who have participated cannot sustain that effort indefinitely. Twentytwo engaged in a thoughtful debate about ways to transition from the pledge when it expires. In addition, the welcome fccs work on a newly created covid19 Telehealth Program authorized by the bipartisan carriers act. This program is designed to provide access to critical lifesavinlifesaving, to qualie during this Global Health crisis. Sen. Roger wicker todays hearing is an opportunity for todays commissioners to discuss what more can be done to expand Broadband Access in the Digital Opportunity for all americans. This word begins with the implantation of the broad broadband data act. Accurate bread band accurate maps are essential to targeting use essential funds. And to unserved areas and communities in need and need it. To ensure the success of new programs such as the funds. The fcc develop accurate, broad and maps. And with more precise data about where broad band is available and where it is not. And at what speeds. I have the commissioners outlined what funding will be necessary to comply with all before moving forward. I appreciate the commissioners oreillys commission this Committee Last week. That he not support moving forward with this fun until the fcc completes the new maps required by the broad band data act. In addition to developing the act, the congregant Congress Needs to explore more resources for broadband and full deployment to areas that are not economical to server a families that he springs Economic Hardship as a result of the pandemic. Look forward to discussing and accelerating Broadband Connectivity act which im offered which would incentivize providers to expedite broadband buildout plans without undermining the options. I hope the commissioners were also discussed ways to provide immediate connectivity to students. Minority communities. And experiencing Economic Hardships because of the coronavirus. Another core part of making broadband universally available as having Regulatory Framework that fosters investments and promotes broadband deployment. Im sure the commissioners will want the recent adoption of five g great order. That modernizes rules for the installation of Communications Equipment as well as other efforts to streamline regulatory processes that can delay or indefinitely stall broadband deployment to too many communities across country. On appreciate the commissioner cars leadership on the 5g upgrade. As americans rely on increasingly on the intranet connection to engage in professional educational, healthcare, then personal activities, and is vital that we ensure that the Security Networks and broad change. It should include network and supply chains security. Including full funding for the fccs newly authorized program. I hope the commissioners will discuss funding needs that Critical Program and other plans to increase Network Security and reliability. Finally, section 230, of the Communications Act is intended to preserve a vibrant and competitive online marketplace for the benefit of all americans. Section 230 protects Interactive Computer Services such as social media platforms from being held liable for the content posted by the users. Section 230 also specifically arousallows Interactive Computer Services to restrict access to the availability of content that it considers to be insane, filthy, excessively violent, harassing, or otherwise objectionable. A deeply troubled by recent reports that suggests some Online Platforms are disproportionately sensory conservative voices and opposing and fair bias through their policies in terms of service. Lastly the federalist and online magazine, was notified that a publication would be removed from googles advertising platforms, because of planes from nbc news about content in the federalist comments section. Information i have is that comments contained on the site were indeed derogatory and impermissible. However, policing offensive content is one thing. Threatening the demobilization of an entire site is quite another. And just yesterday we learned of comments about facebook moderators that seem to confirm a blatant anti conservative bias. The there appears to be intimate over section 230, is clear that each side has a responsibility to ensure that the internet entered a form for a true diversity of political discourse. And promotes competition, and innovation. This committee will evaluate the merits of section 230 and whether modifications are necessary to promote transparency. And accountability across internet platforms and services. It clearly is much to discuss today, think the commissioners again for the testimonies and i think my friend and colleague senator cantwell, for her cooperation in the making member and i turned to her for whatever opening remarks she chooses to make. It. Thank you chairman and thank you for holding this time a hearing test can see all of here in person. Her opportunity for sure. And what i think is a Pivotal Moment today, if we were still in doubt that the covid19 crisis has impact clear to us it is very clear today when it comes to the issue broadband. Sen. Cantell it is really an essential service. Now millions of americans remain trapped on the inside of the Digital Divide. The statistics are well known. At least 18 million americans without access to broadband and even that number may be artificially low. 12 million children currently lack access permit prohibiting their ability to learn remotely. It is imperative that we deal with this issue. The state of washington, 16 percent of families with children have no access to broadband and 31 percent of households on tribal lands, lack access to highspeed broadband bands compared to 7 percent in non tribal areas. We must expand high quality affordable broadband, and underserved and underserved communities of the americans who are being isolated can effectively endure during this pandemic and learn remotely. I would also say have access to healthcare. There is so critical that Rural Communities increase the ability to use broadband as a tool to help deliver medicine at this critical time. When a real opportunity here to close the Digital Divide. But i know it will take being bold. He accomplished and just incremental change or crossing out some numbers, or require significant investment. In the callings a promise more than hundred billion. But we have to make sure the low income and minority tribal communities that connectivity is an issue we do address. Many to invest in programs that will promote Digital Literacy and Digital Adoption targeting the marginalized communities. So i hope this can be part of our discussion today. I run them at march 5th, asked for of the fccs existing authority in programs is all temporary policies are role waivers that would be used to help ensure the nations was being well served during the covid19 crisis. Specifically on some of what emergency actions to facilitate at home connectivity to cape students in class promote school work being done during the covid19 crisis. Not interested in applying progressive laws. If interested in making millions of children caught in the gap of not being able to do their homework, dont fall further behind. So im looking for emergency orders by the commission. And if nothing has happened. Im concerned about that as well. Nowhere in a very highprofile dispute that the fcc has federal experts whether transportation and safety and National Security. Excited. These public disputes is just another site is internal chaos with the administration but i believe is more than that. It seems to me that the agency has narrowed its interest in the standard for public broadband policy. Today the fcc dismisses National Priorities and evolved to blend the highest and best use of spectrum as always terrestrial broadband. Nowhere is this development more obvious than the legato decision. Despite unified opposition from the executive branch agency, aerospace agencies and others, that cause harm to the gps critical to safety operations. But despite the mental discriminate over competing studies, of which there were many. The fcc continued to move forward. So i hope can also discuss this issue. I believe nancy should not be the place to just move forward but the plaintiff of the discussion to make the joy of these discussions are well addressed. It is important that these issues move it forward now address by the many spectrum of these issues the spectrum is not going to go away. So to become even more in demand. If you think your Default Agency to make a decision, and exasperate the phone, has just moved over to the Armed Services committee so i would ask you today to think about how we are going to do a Better Process and given increased need for spectrum in the future. So mr. Chairman, i know many other issues you want to discuss today food but that i believe my remarks and ask and i do have to go to the floor that will return for question at some point in time and i miss my queue, im sure my colleagues senator blumenthal others will jump in my absence. I think the commissioners for being here in person. Sen. Roger wicker thank you. We are recognizing in this order today. We will start with the chair and then recognizing that commissioners in terms of seniority. So we will begin with the r r goal chair of the fcc and we will receive a written testimony and ask you to summarize in your readiness for five is pretty. Ajit pai thank you. I appreciate you inviting me to testify for this commission. In the on onset of the covid19, the connectivity is more important than ever. Americans rely on bar broadband, telework, to learn and to default with doctors and a stand touch with loved ones. That is why weve been using every resource at our disposal to deal with this unprecedented national emergency. Most importantly, challenge broadband and telephone providers in march to take the deep american connected the pledge. Among other things, not to terminate service to residential or Small Business consumers because of their inability to pay the bills to the distractions caused by this coronavirus pandemic. More than 780 providers to pledge including all of our nations Largest Party to the pledge is been critical to maintaining conductivity for millions of americans consumers. These companies especially small ones tend continue to provide Service Without being paid for an indefinite period of time. No business in any sector of our economy could bring an end to pledge ends june 30th the mike called up the providers not to disconnect consumers and Small Businesses in july. Who have fallen behind in the bills. But to instead adopt extended payment plans to ensure that these consumers have a chance to catch up. The transition period will also give congress a chance next month to provide funding to help ensure the Many Americans have continued access to Broadband Services. Along these lines i applauded chairman wicker for the framework. I welcome the opportunity to work with the committee to work with this and other legislative activities. Speaking of funny i want to thank you for establishing covid19 Telehealth Programs. That is part of the cares act. Fcc has worked quickly to a adopt rules for this program. And to open the application window. Im proud as of this morning, weve approved 444 applications in 46 states and the district of columbia. Partial of 157. 6 million. The county hospital mississippi, to a country doctor and Health Center in seattle. This program is enabling Healthcare Providers to treat and monitor pete and patients remotely. An improving care for the patients and doctors and nurses. During this national emergency, networks have been tested like never before. And im pleased to say they have performed extremely well. For example, verbal broad span are higher than before the pandemic it. A record deployment of the last two years amid real difference. But we cant rest on our world. Thats when fccs continuing to take aggressives steps to expedite five g deployment. In july will begin 7 megahertz spectrum for priority access in the three. Five gigahertz. Also on track to the public option 290 megahertz spectrum in the seabed in december. Because satellite operators are hitting spectrum have committed to accelerated relocation, the spectrum will become available for five g to 24 years earlier and otherwise wouldve been the case. And just yesterday a major court victory, the court rejected the request to stop our progress. I especially like to think the chairman wicker for the leaderships on this issue. The tribal priority window for the hearst man is now opened which enables tribes to get first dibs in this prime that been spectrum before withholding option next year. Weve also unanimously open of the entire six gigahertz band for the unlicensed use. Massive 200 megahertz test bed for innovators innovation. It almost finished the tv transition. Because this transition is going well, Wireless Services including five g, are not being provided throughout america unceasing hundred megahertz band. Finally, i would like to mention a personal and professional priority that is literally a matter of life and death. Suicide prevention. Three weeks from today, the fcc will vote on final rules to designate 988, the new nationwide three digit number to reach professionals and Staff NationalSuicide Prevention lifeline. By making it easier for those who are in crisis to reach those who can help, we can save lives and reduce the stigma is associated with mental illness. In time and suicide rates in america are on the rise, and historic levels, especially for vulnerable populations. Youll be gq in african emerging teens, is three digit number, 988, could make all the difference. I would like to think in this regard Senators Gardner and baldwin for their bipartisan leadership on this issue. Chairman wicker, ranking mber caswell and members of the committee thank you for hauling this hearing and i look forward to and soaring questions today. Sen. Roger wicker precisely five minutes. Thank you very much. Welcome commissioner. It is good to see you today. These are historic dates, a Public Health emergency strainer hospitals and fast our economy. Protests the filler streets in our largest cities and smallest towns, winning connections now and digital. The strength and our mutual bond is sprayed because number that connect more people in more places, left us all. So me start by telling you about a conversation i had a few weeks ago. I spoke to a middle school teacher. She was from a small town in northern ver