Promoting Secure and Accessible Telecommunications

Most people know that Alexander Graham Bell patented the telephone in 1874. However, it was not until the 1899 invention of the induction coil that staticfree signals across long telephone lines became practical. This landmark invention made transcontinental communication connectivity possible. It is a fortuitous coincidence that 1899 also saw the birth of the National Consumers League (NCL) and the start of a long, successful history advocating for universal, affordable consumer access to communications technologies.

My admiration and respect for NCL’s long-standing work championing the interests of consumers is both personal and professional. In 2020, I was greatly honored to be named a recipient of the Trumpeter Award. As Chairwoman of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), I can attest to the role NCL has played and continues to play in strengthening the FCC’s efforts to enhance access to telecommunications services and protect consumers from the misuse of those technologies. In fact, when we relaunched the Consumer Advisory Committee at the FCC earlier this year, I was very pleased to appoint NCL’s John Breyault as one of the committee’s co-chairs.

As we look at those two overarching priorities for our future—accessibility and consumer protection—NCL’s advocacy and insights will continue to be critical.

With every new innovation—telephones, radio, television, wireless devices, the Internet, and now Artificial Intelligence (AI)—NCL’s voice has been there, fighting to ensure that these technologies and the enhanced link to information they bring were accessible and affordable for everyone.

I have often said that the future belongs to the connected. Including every person in the digital future is not only the right thing to do, but it will also strengthen our economy, elevate our educational systems, and enrich our civic life. NCL will continue to have a vital role in making that happen.

Greater access must, of course, be paired with ever-stronger consumer protections. Here, too, the FCC and NCL have had a productive relationship. About a decade ago, 20 million people a year were victimized by a practice known as “cramming,” which occurred when dishonest companies put unauthorized charges on their phone bills. The FCC and NCL worked together to put an end to that scam.

Today, with rapid advances in AI, bad actors are using AI to prey on vulnerable populations with unwanted and even illegal phone solicitations. The FCC, in partnership with allies like NCL, must be at the forefront of learning how AI can be used for both beneficial and malicious purposes and then taking steps to protect consumers from new and evolving types of fraud.

I want to congratulate the NCL on its 125th anniversary. I feel fortunate to be working hand in hand with Sally Greenberg and her superb team to ensure that the future of telecommunications and connectivity means greater opportunity and promise for all.

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Jessica Rosenworcel is Chairwoman of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).