Media Contact: 
Robin Colwell, (202) 418-2300
Robin.Colwell@fcc.gov
For Immediate Release
STATEMENT OF COMMISSIONER MICHAEL O’RIELLY 
ON THE SMALL BROADBAND PROVIDER EXEMPTION
WASHINGTON, December 15, 2015. — Setting aside the Commission’s flawed and 
harmful Net Neutrality decision, temporarily extending the small broadband provider 
exemption is a monumental mistake in judgement and a missed opportunity to restore a 
bit of credibility and rationality.  We all know that smaller providers never had the 
imaginary market power envisioned by the Commission, and they shouldn’t have to 
comply now or in the future with burdensome requirements that divert limited resources 
from broadband deployment and provide no real value to consumers.  I am equally 
troubled that I was precluded from voting on this item as the majority of the Commission 
delegated it to the Bureau, reducing its own transparency and accountability. 
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Office of Commissioner Mike O’Rielly: (202) 418-2300
Twitter: @MikeOFCC
www.fcc.gov/leadership/michael-orielly
This is an unofficial announcement of Commission action.  Release of the full text of a Commission order constitutes 
official action.  See MCI v. FCC, 515 F.2d 385 (D.C. Cir. 1974).