Nation
FCC Commissioner calls on BIG TECH to pay its ‘fair share’ of internet infrastructure
Federal Communications Commissioner Brendan Carr has a plan to close the digital divide and it involves big tech paying its “fair share.” Lately, streaming services have accounted for 3/4ths of broadband network’s traffic.
“Big Tech has been enjoying a free ride on our Internet infrastructure while skipping out on the billions of
dollars in costs needed to maintain and build that network,” Carr wrote in a statement. Instead, Disney+, Netflix, YouTube and Amazon Prime haven’t invested a dime in the necessary broadband. Meanwhile, “ordinary Americans, not Big Tech, have been footing the bill for those costs,” Carr wrote.
This funding system has created a society where only those who can afford to pay for the infrastructure get it, while others in poor or rural communities are left on the outs. But, if big tech began “footing the bill,” this would be much more stable revenue stream, according to Carr.
“Ending this corporate welfare is more than fair,” Carr went on. “Historically, the businesses that derived the greatest benefit from a communications network paid the lion’s share of the costs.”
So now, the FCC Commissioner is calling for the companies behind these streaming services to pay up “an equitable amount.”
You can follow Jenny Goldsberry on Twitter @jennyjournalism
In a turn of events, the House of Representatives made history on Friday with a vote to expel Rep. George Santos (R-N.Y.), marking the first such expulsion in over two decades. A moment fraught with gravity unfolded as Speaker Mike Johnson wielded his gavel to formalize Santos’ removal, setting a precedent in congressional annals.
Santos, indicted on 23 counts related to wire fraud, identity theft, and other charges, has not faced conviction but stands accused of misusing campaign funds for opulent purchases. The bipartisan vote, tallying 311 to 114, signaled robust support for expulsion, with a marginally higher number of Republicans opting to retain Santos.
Questions loomed as Speaker Johnson left the chamber, his silence leaving the fate of the ongoing government spending battle uncertain. According to reports from Fox News, Democratic Rep. Steny Hoyer emphasized the non-partisan nature of the decision, asserting that members concluded Santos had tarnished the House’s reputation and was unfit for representation.
Within the GOP, conflicting opinions emerged, with Rep. Darrell Issa arguing against expulsion, citing the presumption of innocence. The tight-lipped stance of the House Ethics Committee played a pivotal role in the deliberations.
Conversely, members of the New York Republican delegation, led by Rep. Marc Molinaro, asserted Santos’ commission of crimes, justifying expulsion based on a comprehensive investigation.
Santos himself predicted the outcome in an exclusive morning interview on “FOX & Friends.” This vote not only underlines the House’s rare use of expulsion powers but also sets a critical precedent in handling members facing severe legal challenges.
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