FCC equivocates on Net neutrality
p2pnet.net news:- An FCC notice of inquiry into Net Neutrality isn’t enough, say two commissioners.
The US Federal Communications Commission says it wants to know how broadband providers manage their traffic, also voting for a notice of inquiry to examine if different prices are charged for different speeds, if FCC policies should distinguish between content providers which levy their customers for access and those who don’t, and how consumers are affected by the ways broadband providers manage their networks.
But Public Knowledge says it’s disappointed the FCC didn’t go further than a notice of inquiry, and Commissioner Michael Copps said action was also needed.
“It is time for us to go beyond the original four principles and commit industry and the FCC unequivocally to a specific principle of enforceable nondiscrimination, one that allows for reasonable network management but makes clear that broadband network providers will not be allowed to shackle the promise,” eWeek has him saying in a statement.
“We proceed too leisurely here. Rather than strike out and unflinchingly proclaim this agency’s commitment to an open and nondiscriminatory Internet, we satisfy ourselves with one tiny, timid step … Let’s be frank. Putting out a Notice of Inquiry is not the way to sail boldly forth.”
Commissioner Jonathan Adelstein also thought it was time for action, not more words, says the story, quoting him as declaring:
“Some may suggest that there is a lack of hard evidence of a problem, but we miss important signals if we do not take these leading broadband providers at their word,” he said. “Providers may be on their best behavior for now with the spotlight turned on net neutrality. But decisions being made today about the architecture of the Internet could affect its character for years to come, so it is important that we make our expectations clear.”
Also See:
eWeek – FCC Takes Another Stab at Net Neutrality, March 23, 2007
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