Jackson, Mississippi (December 7, 2021) – Minutes after her confirmation by the United States Senate was announced, Public Service Commissioner Brandon Presley wrote a letter to newly confirmed Federal Communications Commission Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel asking her to take swift action to hold telecommunications giant AT&T accountable for false claims of service. Commissioner Presley is asking Rosenworcel to follow up on a written request from all three Mississippi Public Service Commissioners in 2020 for a full compliance audit and investigation regarding AT&T’s claims of providing service to over 133,000 locations in Mississippi as part of their obligation under the Connect America Fund II. AT&T received over $280,000,000 in free government funds to provide service in Mississippi under obligations of the program. Presley personally issued an investigative subpoena in 2020 for documents related to AT&T’s service claims.
“I congratulate Chair Rosenworcel on being confirmed as the first female chair of the FCC. One of her first moves should be to require an audit of AT&T related to the claims of service for broadband and cellular telephones and act upon a letter we sent last year and evidence we possess at the Mississippi PSC.” Presley said.
“We must hold AT&T accountable for the billions of federal dollars they have received.. AT&T has a pattern and history of submitting false data regarding where the actually have service available and it is vital that the FCC take action. AT&T should not be allowed to receive federal funds without government accountability and strict oversight. Chairwoman Rosenworcel can send a clear signal that there is a “new Sheriff in town” by holding AT&T accountable.” Presley said.
