FCC To Forge Tougher Net Neutrality Rules
Warning that a free and open Internet "faces emerging and substantial challenges," FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski on Monday outlined ambitious plans for rules designed to prevent telecommunications and cable broadband providers from blocking or degrading competing content and services. "I believe the FCC must be a smart cop on the beat preserving a free and open Internet," he told a packed audience at the Brookings Institution.
Such rules could potentially insulate the FCC from a lawsuit challenging its authority to enforce its network neutrality principles, which were introduced as voluntary. But the announcement could trigger a reaction from Republicans on Capitol Hill and at the agency, as well as major communications companies, which have argued that heavy-handed government intervention could stifle broadband investment. Industry players generally coupled their criticism with praise for areas where they have common ground, though privately, they are said to be nervous.
"I think they're reluctant to get in his face this early in his tenure," an industry source said, adding it appears that major carriers -- recognizing Genachowski has the votes to move forward -- will seek to shape regulations they can live with. The FCC will vote on the proposed changes at its October meeting, but the new rules are not expected to be in place until the spring, well after it issues a national broadband plan to Congress in February.
Read David Hatch's CongressDaily PM Edition story here and a follow-up piece in Tuesday's AM Edition here (subscription required).
Join the Discussion
The National Journal Group has the right (but not the obligation) to monitor the comments and to remove any materials it deems inappropriate.
Comments powered by Disqus