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Soto Leads Letter to Protect Access to Communication

March 20, 2020

Today, Rep. Darren Soto (FL-09) led a letter to Ajit Pai, Chairman of the Federal Communication Commission, urging him to enact policies that would protect Americans from losing access to their cell phone, landline and internet during the COVID-19 national emergency.

"The impact of COVID-19 has been wide-reaching, resulting in the closure of schools and employees having to work from home," wrote the Members. "With more people being at home, access to information and communication services—whether by phone or internet access—are fundamental to the smooth operation of education, healthcare, and employment services across the country."

The letter was also signed by Reps. Jared Huffman (CA-02) and Donald M. Payne Jr. (NJ-10).

The full text of the letter is here and below.

The Honorable Ajit Pai
Chairman
Federal Communication Commission 445 12th Street NW
Washington, D.C. 20301

Re- Protecting Cell Phones, Landlines, and Internet Access during National Emergency

Dear Chairman Pai,

I write today to urge your full and full consideration of policies that would protect Americans' access to communication services by ensuring that no one gets their cell phone, landline, and internet access disconnected during the COVID-19 national emergency.

The impact of COVID-19 has been wide-reaching, resulting in the closure of schools and employees having to work from home. With more people being at home, access to information and communication serviceswhether by phone or internet accessare fundamental to the smooth operation of education, healthcare, and employment services across the country. I recognize and commend several of the network service providers for the announcements they have made in how they plan to protect consumers in the face of the coronavirus pandemic, but I write to urge supportive action by the government as well.

Again, I urge your full and fair consideration of policies that would ensure no one gets their cell phone, landline, and internet access disconnected during the COVID-19 national emergency.

Sincerely,

Darren Soto

Jared Huffman

Donald M. Payne Jr.