Ferraro: So, in Starrys case, I presume there are a lot of your subscribers who are Starry
Connect subscribers so theyre getting low cost broadband service and I also assume that a lot of them qualify for ACP. So, are there some of your subscribers who are getting broadband service for free now?
Abrams: Absolutely. And, we designed our low-cost offering and created a special plan actually in recognition
of the ACP in order to get the best broadband to as many families as possible for the lowest or no cost. And, thats really, really critical. I think, you know, we as a country, I think are having a real positive moment with broadband where it
is recognized on both sides of the aisle that broadband is essential if we want our country to thrive. We cannot leave people behind. And, as such, the investment in broadband infrastructure, in broadband subsidy programs like this are going to have
immediate and most importantly long term impacts on our communities, economically, from a healthcare standpoint and, obviously, for education. And, I think that were in a really unique moment for our country, that it feels like all the oars
are rowing in the same direction. And, thats really important. And, for us as a provider, our small part of this is making sure that we get as much information out as possible for consumers to make those decisions, get the best plan possible
for their households and really start to march towards that goal of universal broadband access across every American household.
Ferraro: So,
Im thinking a little bit about what you just said. And, yes, it is a very positive moment for broadband and, yes, everybody, in a lot of ways, seems to be working together. At the same time, Starrys a little unique because you guys offer
a low-cost option. You seem to be in favor of some sort of rate regulation. You, last time we talked, you were pro the now-somewhat-dead Governor Cuomo law of mandating
a $15 broadband option in New York. And, the wireless industry is largely against, you know, that kind of stuff. So, wheres the disconnect there between Starrys point of view on that kind of stuff and the industry at large?
Abrams: I wouldnt say that were pro-rate regulation.
Ferraro: Fair enough.
Abrams: Were pro-competition, okay. Competition is actually that natural mechanism that helps regulate rates and you know, unfortunately, what is the stat today its more than 67 percent of this country doesnt
have a choice for broadband provider. You know, when you dont have choice, we all know what happens right? And, so for us, the natural mechanism for ensuring that theres affordable choice for people and affordable options is competition.
And, I think that the administration and the FCC has recognized the roleand the powerful rolethat competition plays in enabling choice and affordability. And, I think the policies that theyve implemented definitely reflect that.
You know, if we have a healthy marketplace, were gonna have healthy price points and in terms of options, rightwhether its low cost to the high endand by the way not only, just you know, driving affordability, but then
driving technology, innovation and driving options, right? Like if there wasnt competition, the marketplace you wouldnt be talking about like 1 gig to 10 gig, whatever, you know, the amount is and some people can hand wave that and say
well, thats a lot of marketing, but you know, what drives that is competition. Thats really healthy and important for consumers.
Ferraro:
Yeah, absolutely. So, just sticking with low-income communities. Just for one more question. Is there anything that youve learned in the past year or so about hurdles when it comes to connecting low-income communities or ways to do this more successfully?