FCC’s Pai Pledges To Close The ‘Digital Divide’

Newly crowned FCC Chairman Ajit Pai today pledged to use his office to close “the digital divide … between those who can use cutting-edge communications services and those who do not.

“I believe one of our core priorities … should be to close that divide — to do what’s necessary to help the private sector build networks, send signals, and distribute information to American consumers, regardless of race, gender, religion, sexual orientation, or anything else,” he said during a meeting with FCC staffers.

“We must work to bring the benefits of the digital age to all Americans.”

It is a goal that would seem to fit with the populist message of President Trump, who elevated him from senior Republican commissioner to chairman earlier this week.

And it is a goal that would seem to fit with his own background. The son of Indian immigrants, Pai spoke of how fortunate he has been.

“I think of my parents, who came to this country 45 years ago with literally no assets other than $10, a transistor radio and a desire to achieve the American Dream.”