F.C.C. Proposes Rules on Internet Access

The chairman of the Federal Communications Commission outlined a plan on Thursday that would allow the agency to control the transmission component of high-speed Internet, but not rates or content.In announcing the F.C.C. decision, Julius Genachowski, the commission’s chairman, said the agency would begin a process to reclassify broadband transmission service as a telecommunications service, subjecting the Internet to some of the same oversight as telephone services.To read this report in The New York Times in full, see:
www.nytimes.com/2010/05/07/technology/07broadband.htmlAlso see:FCC chairman proposes increased regulation of Internet service providers
Federal Communications Commission Chairman Julius Genachowski on Thursday proposed putting Internet service providers (ISPs) into the same category as telephone companies, a move aimed at solidifying the agency’s authority over the fast-growing broadband industry.The proposal would impose a fresh layer of rules on a sector that has so far been lightly regulated. By reclassifying broadband providers, the FCC hopes to be able to carry out its plans to greatly expand Internet access nationwide and require companies that get consumers onto the Web to treat all online traffic equally.
www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/05/06/AR2010050606160.htmlUS internet groups eye fight on tighter rules
High-speed internet providers such as Comcast, AT&T and Verizon were on Thursday gearing up for battle with the Obama administration after the US media regulator unveiled plans to impose tougher rules on the companies.Verizon and AT&T signalled they would mount a legal challenge against the move by the Federal Communications Commission, despite assurance by Julius Genachowski, FCC chairman, that the commission would show restraint with its proposed new authority.
www.ft.com/cms/s/0/2a7d0a1e-594b-11df-99ba-00144feab49a.htmlUS regulators map ‘third way’ for net access for all
US regulators have announced plans to salvage efforts to give every citizen access to high speed internet with the aim of heading off legal problems.The Federal Communications Commission unveiled a “third way” after a court found against it in a case against Comcast for slowing some net traffic.Advocacy groups said the ruling put the FCC’s broadband plans in “legal limbo”.
news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology/8666026.stm