FCC Tries to Find a (Third) Way

The FCC has reignited the battle for net neutrality after it requested public comment on three different plans for broadband Internet regulation. The new plans were introduced after a court ruling knocked down FCC measures to oversee Internet service providers.

FCC Commissioner Julius Genachowski has announced his support for what he calls a “third way” that would ensure oversight by regulatory agencies but would not involve the government in matters of pricing or content, services, applications or electronic commerce.

ISPs like Comcast and Verizon stand opposed to any new regulatory action. —JCL

The BBC:

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.

Read more

Flickr / fccdotgov

FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski, facing camera, at a meeting in Washington earlier this year.