News
News organizations have projected former President Donald Trump to emerge victorious in the race for the White House. Reaction is beginning to come in.
This article was originally released by our sister publication, Broadband Communities
International news organizations, like BBC News, have projected Donald Trump to win the race for president, defeating Vice President Kamala Harris. Market watchers like Adlane Fellah, the founder and chief analyst of research-firm Maravedis, have begun offering reaction.
In comments Wednesday morning, Fellah said it’s likely that Republican Brendan Carr will now end up chairman of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).
“Typically, the party in power holds a 3-2 majority on the FCC, enabling it to carry out the president’s policy priorities,” Fellah said.
Currently, Jessica Rosenworcel, a Democrat, is the chair of the FCC. The Democrats holds a 3-2 majority on the five-member commission.
Fellah additionally said to expect increased scrutiny of so-called ‘big-tech.’
The markets have also had big reactions Wednesday, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average Index closing up over 1,800 points.
Uncertainty about the USF
“We can expect increased scrutiny of Big Tech, with potential efforts to eliminate Section 230 protections that shield internet companies,” Fellah said. “Republicans may also push for internet companies to contribute to the Universal Service Fund (USF), expand the list of companies deemed security risks to the U.S., and secure full funding for the Rip and Replace program, which aims to replace telecom equipment considered risky.”
He said many Republicans also advocate for funding the Universal Service Fund through appropriations, “allowing lawmakers closer oversight of how funds are used and the rules governing FCC broadband programs.”
Meanwhile, in July, a decision by the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals threw the future of the USF into a state of flux.
The USF, which was expanded by the Telecommunications Act of 1996, funds E-Rate, allows rural health care providers to pay rates for telecommunications services similar to those in urban areas, assists low-income customers with telecommunications affordability, and provides support to certain qualifying telephone companies that serve high-cost areas, according to the FCC’s website.
In July, the New Orleans court ruled that “Congress delegated its taxing power to the Federal Communications Commission” in the Telecommunications Act of 1996.
Fellah also highlighted that generally Republicans have opposed net neutrality and rules on the use of AI in political advertising.
According to Fellah, Trump-backed policies “could benefit initiatives like Elon Musk’s Starlink and other tech ventures.”
Learn more about the challenges of MSPs, and what solutions are available to address them. Join Maravedis and Broadband Communities for an upcoming webinar on the topic, planned for November 12.