Matthew Berry Quoted in Law360 on Infrastructure Plan’s Changes to Emergency Broadband Benefit Program
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Akin Gump communications and information technology partner Matthew Berry has been quoted in the Law360 article “Reduced Broadband Benefit Will Still Go A Long Way.” The story looks at how Congress’ infrastructure legislation could affect the Emergency Broadband Benefit program that was developed as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.
According to the article, the legislation calls for a smaller monthly subsidy, though the reduced amount is more in line with the price of low-cost Internet plans already on the market. In addition, the article says, the revisions will allow for greater options in terms of applying to the program, which is administered by the Federal Communications Commission, over a five-year period.
“The provisions in the infrastructure bill represent a reasonable path forward for the program. It’s a significant step to extend the program, so it’s not just temporary with respect to the pandemic,” said Berry, who served as Chief of Staff for former FCC Chairman Ajit Pai. “As part of the compromise for extending the program, the subsidy is being reduced. That helps make the program more affordable in the long run.”