Schatz Statement on FCC Investigation into Sandwich Isles Communications

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i), ranking member of the Senate Subcommittee on Communications, Technology, Innovation, and the Internet, issued the following statement in response to the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) announcement relating to Sandwich Isles Communications’ (SIC) improper use of Universal Service Funds. 

“I fully support the FCC’s efforts to combat waste, fraud, and abuse of the Universal Service Fund by Sandwich Isles Communications.  The mishandling of these funds is morally and legally unacceptable, and I expect SIC to fully comply with the order without disruptions in service or additional costs to their customers on Hawaiian Home Lands. 

“At the core of the nation’s communications policies is the idea that all Americans deserve to have access to communications services – especially broadband.  The Universal Service Fund was created in an effort to ensure universal service and provides essential support to communications companies to provide telephone and broadband service in hard-to-serve areas of our country. As an island state with many rural communities, we understand the economic and social importance of telephone and broadband service and the need for a robust universal service support system.  But those companies who accept support from the fund must be good stewards of that money and use it appropriately.

“I have contacted FCC Chairman Wheeler to request his personal attention to this issue in order to ensure that customers are not made victims of SIC’s mishandling of funds. I am confident the FCC will apply all of its statutory and regulatory powers to protect customers on Hawaiian Home Lands from disruptions in service in this case.”

Click here to read Sen. Schatz’s letter to FCC Chairman Wheeler.