http://www.informationweek.com/news/government/mobile/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=227300026&cid=RSSfeed_IWK_AllFCC Calls For More Input On Net Neutrality
Agency's decision to solicit additional feedback on wireless regulation hailed by industry groups, criticized by public interest organizations.
By W. David Gardner
InformationWeek
September 2, 2010 11:13 AM
In an apparent victory for wireless carriers, the Federal Communications Commission said Wednesday that it is seeking more public comment on rules for wireless access and specialized services. By seeking new public comment on the broad issue of net neutrality, the FCC seemed to be opening the way for dealing with Internet access in two tiers -- one less regulated than the other.
The issue -- which essentially is whether and to what degree the FCC should be able to regulate wireless web access -- has attracted ferocious lobbying. With wireless booming, the outcome will impact virtually all Americans on many levels and involve billions of dollars.
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http://www.pcworld.com/businesscenter/article/204733/fcc_takes_net_neutrality_to_court_of_public_opinion_again.html?tk=hp_newFCC Takes Net Neutrality to Court of Public Opinion (Again)
By Tony Bradley, PC World
The FCC has opened the next chapter in the debate over net neutrality with a new Notice of Inquiry seeking public comments and feedback on specific aspects of the proposed rules. Net neutrality advocates, however, are becoming increasingly frustrated with the FCC dragging its feet rather than implementing change.
The new FCC inquiry is in pursuit of specific feedback to clarify opinion on a couple of "under-developed issues" that came up during the negotiations with the ISPs and broadband industry, and as a result of the controversial Google-Verizon proposal. Specifically, the FCC wants input to get consensus on the concept of "specialized services" and application of net neutrality to wireless broadband service.
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Matt Wood, Associate Director of Media Access Project, issued a statement chastising the FCC for repeatedly seeking input rather than making decisions. "Recent events prove that giant companies left to regulate themselves will craft rules full of loopholes and exceptions that benefit their own interest, not the public interest. The Commission asks the same questions time and time again about wireless broadband services and specialized services, instead of providing basic answers on the basis of the robust record it already has compiled."
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It is reasonable for the FCC to seek public opinion before implementing changes, but it seems like a direct conflict of interest to actively engage the very ISPs and wireless broadband providers that are affected by the proposed net neutrality framework.
The FCC needs to have the courage of its convictions on the net neutrality issue, and not cower to political or industry pressure. It was chartered by Congress with a specific mission, and it needs to fulfill that mission without seeking permission from or apologizing to the organizations it is tasked with overseeing.
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