[20200521]LSB10475_宽带连接和新冠肺炎-19：FCC的回应.pdf

CRS Legal Sidebar Prepared for Members and Committees of Congress Legal SidebarLegal Sidebari i Broadband Connectivity and COVID-19: The FCCs Response May 21, 2020 As states and localities have directed their citizens to stay home in response to the COVID-19 outbreak, internet traffic in the United States has shifted dramatically. The greater number of individuals working remotely over the internet, participating in online education, and seeking online sources of entertainment threatens to place an increasing strain on American internet networks. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC or Commission) has thus far focused its response on expanding internet access and ensuring that networks can support increased traffic. Along with its widely publicized Keep Americans Connected Initiativean elective pledge for communications providersthe FCC has taken a number of regulatory actions aimed at promoting internet connectivity. This Sidebar provides an overview of how COVID-19 has affected the FCCs operations, some ways the FCC has responded thus far, and common criticisms and perceived shortcomings of the FCCs approach. Operations Affected by COVID-19 The FCCs regulatory authority und