Greenlining argued that the Commission should reject arguments that carrier’s effective competition always results in just and reasonable rates. Opening Brief at p. 4; Reply Brief at p. 2. Digital Divide Issues Greenlining noted the lack of The Final Decision recognizes reports and studies containing a that “certain population specific discussion of the state segments (e.g. low-income) of competition in communities may not realize the benefits of of color. Goodman 06/01/2016 innovation at the same pace as Testimony at p. 1. other Final consumers.” Decision at p. 144. The Final Greenlining noted that many Decision further notes how consumers from communities Intervenors, specifically of color have only a including Greenlining, have smartphone for home demonstrated the existence of broadband access, and that consumer groups who have not many consumers from fully benefitted from market communities of color report competition and technological wanting both wireline and advancement as part of its wireless service, but find determination to retain findings purchasing both to be regarding the digital divide. (Goodman Final Decision at p. 182. 06/01/2016 Testimony at p. 3). Greenlining’s expert testified that there are fewer competitive choices available to consumers of color than to consumers generally, particularly for those located outside of urban markets. (Goodman 06/01/2016 Testimony at p. 4). Metrics Verified Greenlining argued that the The Final Decision requires Commission should collect carriers to annually submit data regarding adoption and subscriber and deployment affordability rates. Opening data at the census block level, Brief at p. 15. See Comment as well as any “other
Greenlining argued that the Commission should reject carrier’s arguments that effective competition always results in just and reasonable rates. Opening Brief at p. 4; Reply Brief at p. 2. Digital Divide Issues Greenlining noted the lack of reports and studies containing a specific discussion of the state of competition in communities of color. Goodman 06/01/2016 Testimony at p. 1. Greenlining noted that many consumers from communities of color have only a smartphone for home broadband access, and that many consumers from communities of color report wanting both wireline and wireless service, but find purchasing both to be (Goodman 06/01/2016 Testimony at p. 3). Greenlining’s expert testified that there are fewer competitive choices available to consumers of color than to consumers generally, particularly for those located outside of urban markets. (Goodman 06/01/2016 Testimony at p. 4). The Final Decision recognizes that “certain population segments (e.g. low-income) may not realize the benefits of innovation at the same pace as other consumers.” Final Decision at p. 144. The Final Decision further notes how Intervenors, specifically including Greenlining, have demonstrated the existence of consumer groups who have not fully benefitted from market competition and technological advancement as part of its determination to retain findings regarding the digital divide. Final Decision at p. 182. Metrics Greenlining argued that the Commission should collect data regarding adoption and affordability rates. Opening Brief at p. 15. See Comment The Final Decision requires carriers to annually submit subscriber and deployment data at the census block level, as well as any “other Verified