Friday, January 10, 2014

New FCC Chair Visits Oakland

Two months after taking his post as head of the Federal Communications Commission, FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler visited Oakland Thursday for a standing-room-only town hall meeting. Wheeler heard from community members voicing their concerns about media consolidation and lack of ownership diversity, as well as their severe dissatisfaction with the accessibility and affordability of broadband internet and phone services. Attendees also urged Wheeler to address demands for net neutrality and rural connectivity. Several people spoke out about the high cost of phone calls to prisoners, the needs of people with disabilities, and the potential health impacts of wireless radiation. Laura Garzon Chica filed this report.