FCC requests probe into ban on Wi-Fi hotspots at debate

A Federal Communications Commission (FCC) member said her office has asked the FCC’s Enforcement Bureau to investigate a controversy about Wi-Fi use at Monday’s presidential debate.

“My office has asked the @FCC Enforcement Bureau to investigate” claims that debate organizers had blocked reporters from using personal Wi-Fi hotspots, Commissioner Jessica Rosenworcel tweeted Tuesday.

My office has asked the @FCC Enforcement Bureau to investigate, figure out what happened. cc: @cfarivar

— Jessica Rosenworcel (@JRosenworcel) September 27, 2016

Rosenworcel had previously tweeted “Something not right with the #WiFi situation at @HofstraU last night,” and linked to a document highlighting precedence on the matter which noted that it is unlawful to block access to personal hotspots.

Something not right with the #WiFi situation at @HofstraU last night. Here’s what #FCC precedent says: https://t.co/r9fWFnfJLm

— Jessica Rosenworcel (@JRosenworcel) September 27, 2016 

At the first presidential debate between Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump, several reporters said debate staff announced that they were barred from using personal Wi-Fi hotspots. 

An official at one of the debate sites told The Hill that it was the Commission on Presidential Debates’ policy to ban personal hotspots.

Reporters have to pay the hosting schools through online portals to reserve various items including a seat to report on the debate, internet, or even decorative plants for a workspace, if so inclined. 

WiFi at the third presidential debate at University of Las Vegas-Nevada will be offered for free, but the next presidential debate at Washington University in St. Louis and the vice-presidential debate at Longwood University will charge $150 and $200, respectively.

Ben Kamisar contributed.