Hum Posted June 20, 2010 Share Posted June 20, 2010 The stage has been set for what many predict will be an ugly fight over broadband plans for US citizens. The Federal Communications Commission has taken the first formal steps towards tougher rules for broadband. It asked for public comment on three different plans, igniting an expensive lobbying campaign by all sides. The looming battle follows a court ruling questioning the FCC's right to regulate internet service providers after one throttled traffic to users. That court ruling dealt a major blow to a central plank of the FCC's broadband plan called net neutrality which demands that all data traffic be treated equally. The five commissioners on the FCC board were split 3-2 in putting out for public comment proposals on new regulations for the broadband industry. One of the three plans the public is being asked to comment on, and which is favoured by FCC chairman Julius Genachowski, is called the "third way". This would involve reclassifying broadband so it went from being a lightly regulated service to one with more vigorous oversight. In return for this tightening up, Mr Genachowski has proposed the new classification would not regulate on how much people pay for their broadband. It would also shy away from overseeing internet content, services, applications or electronic commerce sites. The other two options include leaving the existing regulatory framework in place or imposing the full force of stricter regulations. ISPs, such as Comcast, AT&T and Verizon, prefer the status quo and have come out against the "third way" proposal. The Computer and Communications Industry Association said the "third way" option is the only realistic option. "Without deliberate FCC action, consumers, entrepreneurs, small businesses and non-profits will be left completely powerless against the corporate commercial interests of their unregulated internet access providers," said Ed Black, association president. more Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tews Posted June 20, 2010 Share Posted June 20, 2010 Another example of this administrations attitude of "we know whats best for you"... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Elliott Posted June 20, 2010 Share Posted June 20, 2010 Another example of this administrations attitude of "we know whats best for you"... If we've learned anything, it's that when one telecom corp starts screwing customers over, it's an invitation for all of them to start screwing customers over (well, except Sprint, but I think Dan Hesse is so desperate at this point that he'll start offering hookers if you'll sign up). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
agreenbhm Posted June 20, 2010 Share Posted June 20, 2010 If we've learned anything, it's that when one telecom corp starts screwing customers over, it's an invitation for all of them to start screwing customers over (well, except Sprint, but I think Dan Hesse is so desperate at this point that he'll start offering hookers if you'll sign up). Even more incentive for me to switch to the Evo 4G. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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