The FCC Plans to Increase Your Phone Bill to Build Better Internet in Schools

National Journal ^ | 11/17/14 | Brendan Sasso

[SoFloFreeper]

The head of the Federal Communications Commission unveiled a plan Monday aimed at delivering high-speed Internet to classrooms and libraries around the country.

To pay for the $1.5 billion proposal, the agency is planning a substantial increase in government fees on all monthly phone bills.

[SoFloFreeper]

I don't care if it is an extra 16 cents or 16 dollars. We are taxed enough.

[Gaffer]

It never stops. Next it will be a wireless device for every student.

[ComputerGuy]

Can’t they access the internet on their free 0phones?

[fivecatsandadog]

What have they done with all the books? They’re paid for.

[FreedomPoster]

It might be time to drop the land line.

[Truth29]

"It never stops."

True words. I wonder if this applies to all communication devices or only land lines? If the latter, it will accelerate the trend to drop traditional phone lines all together.

[Fresh Wind]

It’s much harder for the Ministry of Truth to alter the contents of books. Web pages are much easier to revise to match the current version of the truth. And, of course, this will save tax money in the long run so the king can have another well-deserved vacation.

Obola akbar!

[ComputerGuy]

zer0’s people can’t read. They need pictures. Gibsmedat iPad, bro.

[Recompennation]

be a wireless device for every student.
The lead entitlement a phone... “Of course!!! I got a telphone” a homeless man. Two!

[EEGator]

They are full of lies, written by dead White males...

[W.]

What, do they think we stupidly forgot? We had this YEARS ago, it's called 'the Gore tax' and the schools are already wired/wifi'ed/whatevered. Just another money grab by the idiots in charge 'for the children' so resist--just tell them HELL NO, and bugger off!

[W.]

From: Time to end the Gore tax--2010:

"Under the program, subsidies go in four directions: to high-cost telecom users, such as those in remote locations; to low-income telecom users; to schools and libraries; and to rural health care efforts. Surprise, surprise! The program has grown over the years, and it has been plagued by allegations of corruption and misuse."

[TheCipher]

Which is one reason why Obama is pushing "net neutrality". If the internet becomes regulated as a telecommunications provider, the ISP's are subject to the telecommunications tax. This is his way of finally taxing the internet.

FCC Official Warns of Internet Tax

[EternalVigilance]

So now the FCC is a taxing, spending, and policy-making body? Interesting.

Can’t seem to find that authority in the Constitution.

[BobL]

It wasn’t that long ago that Congress had a say in taxes. But heck, Congress doesn’t even have a say in citizenship anymore.

[Soul of the South]

“Can’t seem to find that authority in the Constitution.”

Modern Congresses have delegated many powers to the executive branch. As a result we have fees levied by regulatory agencies that are really taxes as well as regulations that have the force of law.

The new Republican majority in the House and Senate should take back these delegated powers. However, I don’t see McConnell and Boehner leading this charge just as I don’t see them bringing fiscal integrity back to the budget process.

[EternalVigilance]

I seriously doubt that a body that would reelect McConnell and Boehner by acclamation would do the right thing on much of anything.

[ThunderSleeps]

"It's for the children."

BS. They just want more money, more power. The "for the children" excuse is worn out, done, over.

NO.

In this past election I voted against every single ballot item that would have given the government more money, more power. They are too big already, too powerful. They need to be seriously trimmed down and learn to live within their means and prioritize.

Am I mean, do I hate kids? No, far from it. I want them all to have bright futures. That future looks much brighter if they have freedoms and liberties and aren't enslaved to a massive government.

[Pontiac]

Modern Congresses have delegated many powers to the executive branch. As a result we have fees levied by regulatory agencies that are really taxes as well as regulations that have the force of law..

I am pretty sure that the constitution states that all revenue bills must originate in the House. That pretty much precludes delegation of that power to another branch of government.

[OSHA]

Which is one reason why Obama is pushing "net neutrality". If the Internet becomes regulated as a telecommunications provider, the ISP's are subject to the telecommunications tax. This is his way of finally taxing the Internet.

And declare service as essential so they can charge universal service and universal access fees so Holder's people can get free Internet.