[20200720]LSB10520_监管互联网接入：2019冠状病毒疾病的教训.pdf

CRS Legal Sidebar Prepared for Members and Committees of Congress Legal SidebarLegal Sidebari i Regulating Internet Access: Lessons from COVID-19 July 20, 2020 As some states and localities have paused re-opening efforts in response to recent increases in COVID-19 cases, internet access continues to serve a critical role to help many individuals work, learn, and receive healthcare from home. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC or Commission) has encouraged internet service providers to expand internet access and ensure that networks can support increased traffic. A centerpiece of the FCCs approach in the early stages of the COVID-19 emergency was the Keep Americans Connected Pledge. Internet providers who took the voluntary pledge promised to waive late fees and not disconnect a customers service through June 30. With the expiration of the pledge, FCC Chairman Ajit Pai has called on internet providers to offer continuing support to customers affected by COVID-19. Beyond encouraging voluntary effortseither through direct entreaties like the Keep Americans Connected Pledge or through financial incentivesit is unclear what steps the Commission can take to regulate internet prov