
Broadband Breakfast Club Exclusive Report
Unraveling the Complexities of Net Neutrality – April 2024
Read all Exclusive ReportsAs the Federal Communications Commission gears up for a crucial vote on reinstating net neutrality rules at its upcoming April 25 meeting, the stakes are high for the future of internet governance in the United States.
Premium Reports - Broadband Breakfast
The Broadband Breakfast Club produces exclusive reports for Breakfast Club Members.


Data Centers and the Environment
These vast, climate-controlled facilities, housing thousands of servers, support cloud computing, artificial intelligence, and data-driven decision-making.

Pennsylvania Introduces Bill to Restore Net Neutrality Protections
Introduced in response to January ruling striking down federal net neutrality

Sixth Circuit Denies Rehearing in Net Neutrality Challenge
Public interest groups face an uphill battle in challenging the Sixth Circuit’s ruling, especially without FCC support.

Senate Amendment Would Curb Costly FCC Regulations
Effort believed to be a preliminary step toward passage of the REINS Act.

Advocates For Net Neutrality Appeal 6th Circuit Court Decision That FCC Won't
With the FCC certain not to appeal the agency’s loss, advocates for net neutrality have only the non-profit interveners to rely upon.

Sen. Markey Warns of Authoritarian and Corporate Threats to Internet Freedom
‘Don’t be fooled,’ Markey said: Trump’s 'free speech' crusade is actually a campaign for more censorship.

ACA Connects Pushes for Less Regulation, Faster BEAD Deployment
The industry group laid out its 2025 broadband policy priorities under President Donald Trump.

New York's $15 Broadband Law Takes Effect Wednesday
N.Y. to enforce law mandating $15 and $20 Internet plans for low-income residents.

Legal Scholar: Net Neutrality ‘National Nightmare’ Over
Daniel Lyons sees Sixth Circuit ruling as a win for tech and administrative law.

Law Prof van Schewick Calls Net Neutrality Ruling 'a Radical Decision’
What if the FAA lost oversight of Delta and American Airlines? she asks.

The (Likely) End of the FCC’s Long-Running Net Neutrality Saga
Congress is now the appropriate forum for the debate regarding adoption of a proper policy framework.

What's Next for Net Neutrality?
‘We think the odds of Congress acting as requested are zero.’

Sixth Circuit Tosses Net Neutrality
A three-judge panel held that broadband is an information service under the Telecommunications Act.

Supreme Court Refuses to Disturb N.Y. Low-Income Broadband Rate Law
The state is set to begin enforcing the law in 30 days.

FCC’s Authority on Digital Discrimination Intact: Legal Experts
Legal experts also debated FCC's authority on net neutrality and Section 230 enforcement.

GOP Congress to Employ CRA: Blackburn
FCC rules that went into effect before Aug. 1 are likely insulated from the act.

ALLO Fiber Agrees to Net Neutrality in Network Lease Deal with Boulder, Colo
City Council secures expanded fiber capacity, affordability measures, and robust privacy protections in 20-year deal.

Analyst: Sixth Circuit Should Hit Pause on Net Neutrality Case
Net neutrality rules could be held until the new administration clarifies its position

Trump Names Brendan Carr Next FCC Chairman
Trump called Carr 'a warrior for free speech.'
Lawyer: Republican-Controlled FCC to Shift Telecom Landscape
Deregulation, M&A approvals, and tax policy changes set to reshape the industry under Trump.

ISPs, FCC Spar in Net Neutrality Oral Arguments
The arguments centered on whether broadband fits the definition of a telecom service, rather than the major questions doctrine.

Policy Analyst: Expand USF to Include Edge Providers
Roslyn Layton calls for including digital services in USF funding to relieve burden on telecom consumers.

Former Pai Aide: USF ‘Top Issue’ Post-Election
Legal challenges put USF and FCC powers at risk.

All-GOP Judicial Panel Picked to Hear FCC Net Neutrality Case
Oral arguments are scheduled for Oct. 31, 2024 in Cincinnati

ISPs to Court: Net Neutrality is a Major Question
The battle hinges on FCC authority to turn ISPs into common carriers.

In a Changed Legal Landscape, the FCC Should Reconsider Net Neutrality Rules
Without a Congressional statute given the FCC explicit power, the FCC is clearly overstepping its bounds.

Net Neutrality Levels Pole Attachment Playing Field: INCOMPAS, CPUC
INCOMPAS said its members get worse pole deals without FCC support.

Modern Broadband is a Telecom Service, Says Former FCC Technology Head
The agency made similar arguments in its brief last week.

Cable, Chamber of Commerce Ask SCOTUS to Toss N.Y. Broadband Law
Industry groups asked SCOTUS to strike down the Affordable Broadband Act – but only after net neutrality is sorted out.

Tech Think Tanks Fighting N.Y. Broadband Law in Supreme Court
Public Knowledge says Second Circuit 'got it right.'
Major Questions Does Not Apply to Net Neutrality: FCC
The agency said ISPs Function like DoorDash or GrubHub.

Court Orders ISPs, FCC to Argue Net Neutrality on Halloween
Sixth Circuit put the Net Neutrality rules on hold in an unanimous stay order on Aug. 1.
Rosenworcel Confident FCC Rules Will Survive in Court
GOP lawmakers sought answers from the FCC in the wake of the Supreme Court's Loper Bright ruling.

Key GOP Lawmakers Ask Court to Void FCC’s Net Neutrality Rules
The Chamber of Commerce, a former Republican commissioner, and free-market think tanks also submitted briefs opposing the rules.

Data Centers and the Environment
These vast, climate-controlled facilities, housing thousands of servers, support cloud computing, artificial intelligence, and data-driven decision-making.

Free Market Think Tanks Back ISPs in Net Neutrality Challenge
The court overseeing the case said earlier this month that ISPs are likely to succeed under the Supreme Court's major questions doctrine.

ISPs Ask Supreme Court to Find N.Y. Law Illegal – After Net Neutrality is Sorted Out
Broadband providers say Title I of the Communications Act preempts state rate regulation.

ISPs Continue to Cite Major Questions Doctrine in Net Neutrality Challenge
Sixth Circuit judges have so far been receptive to the argument.

Court Pauses Challenge to FCC’s USF Forbearance Policy
Consumer groups are trying to resolve the issue with the agency directly.

Consumer Groups Looking to Pause Narrow Legal Challenge to Net Neutrality
Public interest groups want a pause in their legal challenge to a key USF funding decision by the FCC

ISPs Ask Supreme Court to Strike Down N.Y. Affordable Broadband Law
The state's attorney general agreed not to enforce the law while the Supreme Court reviews their request.

Green Energy and the Democrats
Just as crypto has emerged as a tech and infrastructure issue with a heavily Republican tilt, advanced energy may serve a similar role for Democrats.

Sixth Circuit Appeals Court Stays the FCC's Net Neutrality Rules
'Because the broadband providers have shown that they are likely to succeed on the merits and that the equities support them, we grant the stay,' the court said.

Congressional Review Act Not a 2025 Option for Net Neutrality, Religious Broadcasters Say
Net Neutrality rules were set before key deadline, religious broadcasting group says

Sen. Marsha Blackburn Attempts to Block Net Neutrality
The longtime Net Neutrality foe filed a joint resolution to nullify the FCC’s new regulations.

Artificial Intelligence and Copyright
As AI technology adoption increases, legislators are looking at cracking down on copyright concerns.

ISPs Urge Court to Block FCC’s Net Neutrality Rules
'The FCC’s decision to treat the $150 billion broadband industry as a public utility is a question of vast economic and political significance," the ISPs said.
FCC: Supreme Court Precedents Protect Net Neutrality Rules
'It is solely the Supreme Court’s prerogative to reconsider or overrule its own precedents,' FCC says.
Federal Appeals Court Temporarily Blocks FCC's Net Neutrality Rules
'The FCC is order is hereby temporarily stayed until August 5, 2024,' the court said.
In a Democratic vs. Republican Contest Over Broadband, Who Wins?
The idea behind 'Made in America' is to combine reindustrialization, national security, reviving left-behind places, cheering up blue-collar workers and reducing carbon emissions.

Rosenworcel Defends FCC Policies at Budget Hearing
GOP lawmakers and commissioners aired grievances with several agency actions.

ISPs, FCC Clash Over Net Neutrality Post-Chevron
FCC wants Sixth Circuit to reject ISPs' attempt to block net neutrality rules.

Crypto and Republicans: Navigating the Digital Currency Landscape
During the Trump era, GOP lawmakers emerged as vocal advocates for cryptocurrency and blockchain technology.

Judge Hits Pause on FTC’s Non-Compete Ban
Judge says Congress did not authorize the FTC to ban non-compete agreements.
FCC Set to Appear Before GOP-Led House Panel
Potentially fiery hearing slated for July 9.

Sixth Circuit to Keep Net Neutrality Case in Cincinnati, a Win for ISPs
Ahead of a stay ruling, Sixth Circuit asks for briefs on impact of the demise of the Chevron Doctrine.

Supreme Court Curbs Power of Regulatory Agencies Like FCC
The decision could have a big impact on two pending cases involving the Federal Communications Commission, including net neutrality.

Rosenworcel Weighs in on Big Tech Regulation
‘It’s a conversation I think we should be having,’ FCC Chairwoman says

Consumer Advocacy Groups Want to Join FCC, Defend Net Neutrality in Court
The groups worry a future Republican FCC would be less interested in defending the rules.

State Utility Commissions Looking to Defend Net Neutrality Rules
The rules take a narrow approach to preempting state laws.

Chamber of Commerce Joins ISPs in Pushing Sixth Circuit to Hear Net Neutrality Case
The FCC wants the case moved to the D.C. Circuit, which has previously ruled in the agency's favor on net neutrality.

GOP-Run Washington in 2025 Could Void Pending FCC Regulations
The Congressional Review Act could threaten new broadband rules teed up by FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel

Groups Pressure FCC to Make ISPs Pay For Universal Service
The groups want the FCC to reconsider its April decision to exempt broadband ISPs from helping sustain the USF.

ISPs Urge Court to Block FCC’s Net Neutrality Rules Soon
Rules scheduled to go into effect next month will cause irreparable injury to their financial operations, ISPs said.

FCC Urges Cincinnati Court to Move Net Neutrality Case to D.C.
ISPs want the case to remain in Cincinnati to deny the FCC home court advantage in the D.C. Circuit.
Understanding 'Junk Fees' in Broadband
President Joe Biden has made attacking 'junk fees' a key focus of his administration.

FCC Urges Court to Let Net Neutrality Rules Take Effect
'The motion for stay pending review should be denied,' the FCC says.

ISPs Want Net Neutrality Case to Stay in Cincinnati Courtroom
'Washington, D.C. has no monopoly on the Internet or administrative law,' the ISPs said.
ISPs Give Up Court Challenge to N.Y.’s Affordable Broadband Law
It's possible the ISPs will ask the FCC to preempt the New York law
Court Issues Speedy Briefing Schedule in Net Neutrality Case
The Clerk said responses to the FCC’s motion to move the case 'shall be filed on or before Monday, June 17, 2024.'
Wireless ISP Group Seeks Net Neutrality Exemptions
Regulatory costs will hinder small businesses from competing in the market, WISPA says.

ISPs Ask Sixth Circuit to Stay FCC’s Net Neutrality Rules
'This Court should stay the FCC’s latest flip-flop pending judicial review. Petitioners are overwhelmingly likely to succeed on the merits.'
FCC Refuses to Stay Net Neutrality Rules, Setting Up Court Battle
The FCC also filed a motion to move the case from the Sixth Circuit in Cincinnati to the D.C. Circuit in Washington.
Federal Communications Commission Updates Border Gateway Protocol Reporting
Regulations would require providers to submit annual reports on risk mitigation.

Panelists Debate Paid Peering, Net Neutrality at California Broadband Summit
Broadband industry groups challenged the rules in court last week.

GOP-Leaning Sixth Circuit to Hear Net Neutrality Case
The Sixth Circuit was selected by lottery because national and state trade groups had filed identical appeals in four other circuits.

Challenges of Broadband Infrastructure Deployment
Rights of way, pole attachments, environmental permitting and other hurdles to broadband infrastructure deployment.

ISPs Asking FCC to Stay Net Neutrality Rules by June 7
That's the date trade groups have to decide whether to further challenge a New York law affected by the rules.
ISPs Take the FCC to Court Over Net Neutrality Rules
The ISPs also filed a petition Friday asking the FCC to stay the Net Neutrality rules by June 7
Rep. Latta Resolution Aimed at Blocking FCC’s Net Neutrality Rules
Latta offered his resolution one day after the FCC's Net Neutrality rules were published in the Federal Register.
It’s Time for Congress to Step Up to the Plate on Broadband Reform
Congress should also take steps to provide continued funding for the Affordable Connectivity Program.

Navigating the Landscape of U.S. Data Privacy Regulations
There is a renewed focus on how best to protect personal information in an increasingly digital world.

FCC Chairwoman Proposes New Measures to Enhance Internet Security
The proposal would require broadband providers to report to the FCC on their efforts to implement industry standards.
FCC’s Net Neutrality Rules Come With a Few Tweaks
A decision to forbear from applying Title II’s rate regulation provisions would preempt New York’s law, argues one scholar.

FCC Reclaims Some Broadband Oversight From FTC
The agencies will nullify their existing memo of understanding when net neutrality rules go into effect.

The Smart City Blueprint for Urban Innovation
At play in Smart Cities: Data collection, smart infrastructure, IoT, communications technologies, regulations and more.

Federal Appeals Court Upholds N.Y. Law Setting Retail Internet Rates
But is the New York law valid under the FCC's new net neutrality rules?

FCC Adopts Net Neutrality Order Without Major Changes
Officials said the final order clarifies that anti-throttling rules prohibit speeding up traffic.

Did Rosenworcel Make Changes to the Net Neutrality Draft Rules?
FCC Chairwoman Rosenworcel spent the last three weeks fielding various entreaties.
Can the FCC’s Net Neutrality Rules Survive the Major Questions Doctrine?
Justice Brett Kavanaugh is on record as saying net neutrality is unlawful.

Verizon’s Fixed Wireless Growth Slows in the First Quarter
The company added 354,000 fixed wireless subscribers in the most recent quarter, leaving the company with 3.4 million such customers overall
Democratic Lawmakers Show Support for FCC Title II Proposal
The agency is set to vote on the measure next week.

Big ISPs Want FCC To Block State USF Mandates
At issue now is whether the FCC has left the door open for states to require them to contribute to state USF programs.

WISPA Puts Numbers Behind Its Big Title II Exemption Ask
'Broadband without boundaries' trade group seeks net neutrality exemption for ISPs with 250,000 subs or fewer.

Akamai Wants FCC to Fill a Gap in Net Neutrality Draft Order
Akamai asked the FCC to amend the draft order to clarify that the ban on paid prioritization does not restrict ISP agreements with CDNs.

Fearing Rate Shock, Free Press Defends Rosenworcel on USF Forbearance
Free Press chose in recent days to underscore that it is in full agreement with the chairwoman.

FCC Chair Pitches Public Safety Benefits of Net Neutrality Rules Ahead of Vote
Jessica Rosenworcel spoke at the Santa Clara County Fire Department, which had its internet throttled during a wildfire in 2018.

Coalition to Reform USF Raises Alarm About FCC Exempting Broadband Providers
Thursday's draft net neutrality order excuses broadband internet service providers from contributions.

The Challenge of Spectrum Sharing
At the center of the battle over the airwaves in the United States is the question of spectrum sharing.

FCC to Vote on Reinstating Net Neutrality Rules
The agency will take up the measure on April 25.

Net Neutrality Commenters Continue to Disagree on Network Slicing
Public interest groups say the practice could allow mobile providers to skirt rules on paid prioritization

Wolfgang Briglauer: For the FCC, a Cautionary Tale of EU 'Open Internet' Rules
Strong empirical evidence emerges that open internet regulations exert a significant, strong negative impact on fiber investments.

The Policy and Law Behind 'Rip and Replace'
The policy and law surrounding the program to remove Chinese telecommunications equipment from U.S. networks.

The FCC's Digital Discrimination Rules
The controversies and details surrounding the FCC's rules to prevent and eliminate digital discrimination.

ISPs Pressing FCC to Relax Section 214 Requirements
The FCC's 2015 net neutrality rules did not erect regulatory entry and exit barriers.

Cable ISPs Seek Net Neutrality Guardrails From FCC
The cable ISPs said the Federal Communications Commission should prevent states from going further.
Content Delivery Networks Want to Be Excluded From Net Neutrality Rules
CDNs were not covered in the 2015 net neutrality order, and Akamai wants to make sure it stays that way.

Ted Hearn: A Supreme Court Case About Fish Could Harpoon The FCC
Opponents of the Chevron Doctrine aver that judicial deference has gone too far.

Bruce Kushnick: Look Overseas, America's Prices for Broadband are Out of Control
America's prices are 5–10 times higher than comparable data from other countries.

12 Days of Broadband: Net Neutrality Is the Issue That Never Dies
It's been 11 years since Verizon filed arguments against the FCC in the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals.

Industry, Non-profits React Predictably to FCC’s Proposed Net Neutrality Reinstatement
Many public interest groups highlighted what they said was the increased importance of broadband as a public utility.

FCC Moves to Reinstate Net Neutrality, Keeps Rules Open for Comment
Public comment open until December 14, with reply comments due on January 17, 2024.

Small Broadband Providers Urge FCC to Leave Them Out of Some Net Neutrality Rules
Trade groups argue their members are too small to engage in anti-competitive behavior.

Current FCC Pitches Net Neutrality as a Public Safety Measure
The commission could enforce providers to report and fix outages, Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel said.

A Hidden Issue Potentially Impacting BEAD Implementation: Pole Attachments
Problems accessing poles could delay fiber builds funded by the Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment program.

Experts Disagree on Net Neutrality Legal Ground
The Supreme Court has shown less deference to federal agencies in recent years, a BBLO panel heard.

Industries Revive Familiar Arguments After Net Neutrality Announcement
Telecoms oppose the measure, while major software companies side with the FCC.

FCC Looking to Reinstate Net Neutrality Rules
The commission will vote October 19 on whether to move forward and request public comment on the proposal.

A Deep Dive into the BEAD Program’s Matching Funds
Will the program’s matching funds requirement stretch federal dollars, or hinder smalller providers?

Precursors to BEAD Implementation: A Deep Dive Into Prior Broadband Programs
How will prior broadband programs impact BEAD Implementation?

Experts Disagree on Increased Requirements for FCC Broadband Nutrition Labels
Rules can increase the burden on small providers.

A Deep Dive into Allocations Under the Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment Program
What’s next for BEAD implementation?

Federal Communications Nominee Says Congress Should Address Net Neutrality
Her response marks a subtle departure from the common view among Democrats that the FCC should mandate net neutrality.

Impacts of the CHIPS and Science Act of 2022
When President Biden talks about his economic program, the CHIPS Act is the star of the show.

Revisiting the NTIA's Middle Program Ahead of Funding Announcements
The NTIA is on the cusp of announcing the award winners to the states by June 30, 2023.

Final ACP Outreach Partners, Pennsylvania’s Broadband Program,10 Gigabit Internet In Northwest
The FCC has been trying to get as many eligible Americans on the ACP as possible through outreach.

Green Energy Provisions Meet Smart Grid and Broadband Infrastructure
Advances for the green economy in the Inflation Reduction Act rely upon smart grid infrastructure.

Content Moderation, Section 230 and the Future of Online Speech
Our comprehensive report examines the extremely timely issue of content moderation and Section 230 from multiple angles.

What to Know About Build America, Buy America Provisions in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law
Will providers be required to use equipment that is not readily available within the United States?

Dae-Keun Cho: Demystifying Interconnection and Cost Recovery in South Korea
South Korean courts have rejected attempts to mix net neutrality arguments into payment disputes.

What You Need to Know About the FCC’s Maps and the Challenge Process
The Broadband Breakfast Report for January 2023 lays out the things to know about the challenge process.

Gigi Sohn’s Political Purgatory and the Prospect of Reintroducing Net Neutrality Rules in 2023
If Sohn is sworn in, it would break the FCC’s party deadlock and allow the Democrats to potentially bring back net neutrality.

The 12 Days of Broadband (2022 Edition)
Broadband Breakfast presents the first of its annual '12 Days of Broadband' series about the top 12 stories of the year.

Premium Reports
The Breakfast Club produces exclusive, Premium Reports on actionable topics of broadband policy and internet technology.

GOP Congresswoman Says FCC Puts Politics Over the Law
‘Our founders provided Congress with legislative authority to ensure lawmaking is done by elected officials, not unaccountable bureaucrats.’

Kenosha Gets Fiber, Judiciary Committee Advances Journalism Bill, Rosenworcel Touts Women in Tech
SiFi Networks will construct an all-fiber network for 40,000 households in the city of Kenosha, Wisconsin.

Johnny Kampis: Democrats Needlessly Push Another Round of Net Neutrality Legislation
The Net Neutrality and Broadband Justice Act may harm the ability of broadband infrastructure to grow.

Lumen’s Multi-Gig Service, Dish Continues Drop in Wireless Subs, Wu Not Leaving White House Yet
Lumen’s Quantum Fiber will deliver up to 8 Gig symmetrical speeds in certain markets.

Democrats Seek to Codify Net Neutrality as Fifth FCC Commissioner Hangs
Some say the bill would add heavy regulation that will harm investments and consumers.

Supreme Court’s EPA Decision Unlikely to Significantly Affect Federal Communications Commission
But landmark administrative law ruling could add more burden on agency in justifying decisions.

Network Measurement Organization Says it Can Measure Throttling Practices of Service Providers
Measurement Lab said research it has conducted can show when there are network performance issues.

Rosenworcel Committed to Net Neutrality, Better Spectrum Coordination, Starlink Up in Internet Speeds
The FCC chairwoman reaffirmed her commitment to net neutrality at a conference on Friday.

FCC’s Simington Welcomes Congressional Action on Net Neutrality
The commissioner prefers going the route of legislation over Democratic FCC commissioners leading the charge for neutrality protections.

Judge Opinion on Crypto Transfer, Internet Society Joins Partner2Connect, Cable One Invests $950 Million for 10G
The opinion stated that the Department of Justice can prosecute someone who sent millions in crypto to a sanctioned state.

Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals Denies Efforts to Eliminate California Net Neutrality Law
A coalition of telecommunication trade associations were unable to sway the court.

Federal Appeals Court Upholds California’s Net Neutrality Rules
The ruling prevents internet providers in the state from abandoning net neutrality for broadband customers.

Consolidation, Bloat, and a Waning American ‘Brand’ Hurt the Economy, Says Tim Wu
He argued that fundamental changes must be made to restore peoples’ faith in an American system that works for everyone.

Rosenworcel Stands Firm on Net Neutrality in Face of Lawmakers Urging Status Quo
The FCC chairwoman responded to a letter by members of Congress resisting calls to back down on net neutrality.

Senate Committee OK’s Rosenworcel, Questions Sohn on Mapping, Net Neutrality, Broadband Standards
Gigi Sohn explained her positions on issues facing the FCC.

Facebook, Google, Twitter Register to Lobby Congress on Section 230
Companies also want to discuss cybersecurity, net neutrality, taxes and privacy.

Biden Signs Executive Order on Net Neutrality, Broadband Pricing Policy and Big Tech Merger Scrutiny
Executive order would kickoff new antitrust and net neutrality regulations.

Regulating Big Tech with State Laws Could Negatively Impact Customers
State regulation of technology companies could harm consumers, experts say.

Explainer: On the Cusp of Sea Change, Broadband Breakfast Examines the Net Neutrality Debate
In the first in a series of explainers, Broadband Breakfast has hand-picked the debate on net neutrality to bring readers up-to-speed on its history and future.

For or Against, It’s Time To Consider Codifying Net Neutrality In Law, Panelists Say
March 18, 2021 – The issue of net neutrality has captured more bandwidth than needed and the concept – either for or against – must be codified in the law so the issue doesn’t surface every election cycle, the president of the App Association said during a Federal Communications Bar Association even

Public Knowledge Celebrates 20 Years of Helping Congress Get a Clue on Digital Rights
February 27, 2021 – The non-profit advocacy group Public Knowledge celebrated its twentieth anniversary year in a Monday event revolving around the issues that the group has made its hallmark: Copyright, open standards and other digital rights issues. Group Founder Gigi Sohn, now a Benton Institute

Serious Conversation Needed on Net Neutrality, Says New FCC Commissioner Nathan Simington
February 16, 2021 – Federal Communications Commissioner Nathan Simington said Tuesday that serious conversations need to be had about reforming net neutrality rules. Simington sits on a very different-looking FCC, which includes net neutrality advocates including Acting Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworce

Commissioner Brendan Carr Says Broadband Needs Policy Agenda Free From Political Interference
February 16, 2021 – FCC Commissioner Brendan Carr said he is committed to pushing for permanent principles for broadband and data regulation. Carr said at the Incompas Policy Summit on Feb. 9 that he would like to see those principles — including how the FCC should operate and regulate — insulated f

INCOMPAS Predicts Prompt Action on Net Neutrality
November 16, 2020 – Officials associated with INCOMPAS, the Internet and Competitive Networks Association, on Thursday predicted that there would be action on net neutrality sooner than expected with the incoming administration of President-elect Joe Biden. Predicting that the new administration wou

Federal Communications Commission Vote on Net Neutrality Reprises Deep Partisan Divisions
October 27, 2020 — Tensions ran high during the Federal Communications Commission’s October meeting on Tuesday, as the agency’s five commissioners were forced to take a defining partisan vote in response to the D.C. Court of Appeals remand on the agency’s December 2017 repeal of net neutrality rules

Senators Criticize AT&T for Apparently Favoring HBO Max by Not Counting Streaming Against Data Caps
June 4, 2020 — Sens. Ed Markey, D-Mass., Ron Wyden, D-Ore., and Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., penned a letter to AT&T CEO Randall Stephenson, rebuking him for not counting HBO Max usage against users’ monthly data caps. AT&T owns HBO, a relationship the senators claimed violates the company’s stated

Public Interest Groups Blast FCC For Refusal to Extend Public Safety Deadline on Net Neutrality Comments
April 22, 2020 – Multiple voices weighed in on the Federal Communications Commission’s public notice seeking comment on its prior net neutrality decision, although public interest and some congressional representatives expressed anger at the agency’s refusal to allow additional time for comments. On

Fault Lines Between FCC Chairman Ajit Pai and Commissioner Jessica Rosenworcel on Stark Display in House
WASHINGTON, March 11, 2020 – “That is flatly incorrect,” Federal Communications Commission Chairman Ajit Pai said, partly to Commissioner Jessica Rosenworcel and partly to Rep. Mike Quigley, D-Ill., chairman of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Financial Services and General Government. Quigley had

Broadband Roundup: Justice Clarence Thomas Expresses Regret on Brand X, Clearview AI Hacked, Online Privacy Act
In the seemingly never-ending debate over whether broadband classifies as a Title I information service, or a Title 2 telecommunications service, Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas regrets his ruling in 2005 that “gave federal agencies extensive power to interpret U.S. law,” reports Jon Brodkin f

FCC Seeks Comment on Net Neutrality Issues Remanded by Appeals Court: Public Safety, Pole Attachments and Lifeline
WASHINGTON, February 25, 2020 – In the wake of the D.C. Circuit court’s decision to uphold the substance but remand three elements of the Federal Communications Commission’s 2017 net neutrality decision, the FCC issued a notice seeking public comment. The FCC’s 2017 initiative changed the classifica

Advocates for Cities Say They Are More in Touch with the Privacy Views of Americans Than the Federal Government
WASHINGTON, January 30, 2020 – Even though broadband is often considered a part of interstate commerce, city leaders need to take gaps in the law into their own hands by legislating on broadband topics, said panelists at a session on cities and states at the State of the Net conference on Tuesday. P

D.C. Circuit’s Decision in Net Neutrality Case Likely to Open New Fronts of Attack Against FCC
In-Depth Analysis of the D.C. Circuit Court’s Decision in Mozilla v. FCC Demonstrates It is Just the Beginning of a New Chapter Debate Shifts to Congress and the States The U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia, in Tuesday’s decision of Mozilla Corporation v. Federal Communications Corp

D.C. Circuit Court Upholds FCC Chairman Ajit Pai’s Repeal of Net Neutrality, But Allows States to Fill the Void
WASHINGTON, October 1, 2019 — The Federal Communications Commission’s repeal of Obama-era network neutrality rules will remain, a three-judge panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit ruled on Tuesday. However, in a bit of a split decision, the court said that the agenc

For 5G, Panelists Favor Limiting Local Control over Rights-of-Way and Not Reinstating Net Neutrality Rules
WASHINGTON, July 6, 2019 — The successful growth of 5G networks will be best achieved through limiting municipalities’ control over wireless infrastructure and not reinstating rules that would require network neutrality, according to a Monday panel of the Digital Policy Institute, an organization af

Three Democratic Senators Came Not to Bury the FCC’s Net Neutrality Rules, But to Praise Them
WASHINGTON, June 12, 2019 – A trio of Democratic senators on Tuesday called for Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell to allow a vote on legislation to roll back the Federal Communications Commission’s repeal of network neutrality regulations put in place during the Obama administration. Sens. Ed M

US Telecom Touts Broadband Investment; Industry and FCC Chairman Pai Link Growth to Deregulatory Policies
WASHINGTON, June 10, 2019 — U.S. investment in broadband networks grew by approximately $3 billion in 2018, according to data released Monday by US Telecom. Federal Communications Commission Chairman Ajit Pai said this is a result of “reducing unnecessary regulatory burdens” and updating rules “to m

Verizon’s Throttling of Santa Clara County Firefighters Discussed by Panel of Net Neutrality Advocates
May 31, 2019 – Verizon Wireless’ slowdown of the Santa Clara County Fire Department’s data plan had a “significant impact” on the department’s ability to respond to last year’s wildfires, according to testimony by Fire Chief Anthony Bowden that featured prominently in a Thursday discussion at the St

Portland, Home to Historic Open Access Battles, is Bringing Municipal Dark Fiber to Light
BROADBAND BREAKFAST INSIGHT: Susan Crawford is once again bringing history to life with this blast-from-the-past story of how “net neutrality” owes some of its roots to a 20-year-old fight in Portland. Today, however, the city is bringing open access battles into the 21st Century. (We wrote about La

House Passes Democrats’ Net Neutrality Measure on Almost-Completely Partisan Lines
WASHINGTON, April 11, 2019 – The House of Representatives on Wednesday voted to approve legislation restoring network neutrality rules which had been rescinded by the Federal Communications Commission last year, marking both a victory for House Democrats as well as an end to the line for this latest

Democrats in Congress Attempt to Reinstate Net Neutrality with Maneuver Against FCC
WASHINGTON, March 6, 2019 – On Wednesday, 46 House and Senate Democrats moved forward with legislation that would codify so-called “network neutrality” legislation into law, bypassing a court dispute over their repeal by the Trump administration Federal Communications Commission. The Save the Intern

FCC General Counsel Gets Tough Questions at D.C. Circuit Court’s Net Neutrality Hearing
WASHINGTON, February 2, 2019 — Network Neutrality once again took center stage Friday as the Federal Communications Commission found itself defending its repeal of Obama-era Open Internet rules before a three-judge panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit. Friday’s ora

The Supreme Court Finally Says It Won’t Reconsider Old Net Neutrality Case
BROADBAND BREAKFAST INSIGHT: Talk about finally letting the other shoe drop! On Monday, the Supreme Court, on a 4-3 vote (with two of the conservatives justices recusing themselves) refused to consider the old net neutrality case – the one lodged by the Obama administration, and which put extensive

Phoenix Center Releases Results of Study Documenting Lower Broadband Investment from 2015
US Telecom recently released an update to its U.S. broadband industry capital spending series. Ford’s analysis shows that while the decline in capital spending in 2015 and 2016 stopped in 2017, investment in the telecommunications sector is materially compressed, being about $10-to-$13 billion (or 1
Commissioner O’Rielly Raises Another Concern about Municipal Broadband: The ‘First Amendment’
BROADBAND BREAKFAST INSIGHT: Critics of municipal involvement with broadband infrastructure will find all manner of reasons to oppose them, and this article from Motherboard elaborates on Federal Communications Commissioner Mike O’Rielly’s views about the subject. This appears to be an extension of

In a Sunday Filing, Justice Department Takes Aim at California Net Neutrality Bill
BROADBAND BREAKFAST INSIGHT: California is merely the largest of the large number of states that have attempted to take a “federalist” approach to the “interstate commerce” of network neutrality. This sets up the first of many political flashpoints over the issue. Feds launch lawyers at California n

Supreme Court Says States Can Now Collect Sales Tax From All Online Retailers
WASHINGTON, June 21, 2018 – The United States Supreme Court on Thursday dealt a blow to the online retail industry by overturning a 26-year-old ruling, Quill v. North Dakota, which had prohibited states from forcing mail-order retailers to collect sales tax from customers in states where they lacked

Judge Allows AT&T-Time Warner Merger to Proceed Over Objections of Trump Justice Department
WASHINGTON, June 12, 2018 – A federal district judge on Tuesday ruled that AT&T can proceed with its $85 billion merger with entertainment giant Time-Warner, spurning Justice Department arguments that the allowing the deal to proceed would harm consumers by driving up cable television costs. Distric

Democrats Mourn Loss of Net Neutrality, But Industry Supporters Call it a New Day
This article was written and reported by Andrew Feinberg and Heather Heimbach. WASHINGTON, June 12, 2018 – As the Federal Communications Commission’s repeal of Obama-era network neutrality rules took effect Monday, Democrats and net neutrality advocates vowed to continue the effort to use a Congress

Senate Democrats’ Vote Against Net Neutrality Repeal a ‘Political Tool,’ Charges TechFreedom
WASHINGTON, June 11, 2018 – Before the official date on which the Federal Communications Commission’s action changing net neutrality were to go into effect, conservative technology experts slammed a recent Senate vote to restore those Obama-era network neutrality protections “The [Congressional Revi

Facebook Faces Tough Scrutiny From Many Directions, Even at CATO Institute
WASHINGTON, June 4, 2018 – If the tenor of a Thursday event at the CATO Institute is any indication, Facebook continues to face tough scrutiny from many sides in Washington. Although the event was titled, “Will Social Media Save Democracy?”, the panel instead became a multi-pronged attack on the com

Senate Votes 52-47 To Advance Bill Restoring Obama-era Net Neutrality Rules
WASHINGTON, May 16, 2018 — Senate Democrats on Wednesday joined forces with Republicans Susan Collins, John Kennedy, R-La. and Lisa Murkowski, R-Ak. to approve a bill which rolls back the Federal Communications Commission’s repeal of network neutrality rules enacted under former President Obama, 52-

McCain’s Absence Means Democrats’ Net Neutrality Bill Expected To Pass 50-49
WASHINGTON, May 16, 2018 — The absence of Arizona Senator John McCain (R) from the Senate means Democrats appear to have enough votes to pass a bill to roll back the Federal Communications Commission’s repeal of network neutrality rules put in place under the Obama administration, 50-49. Without McC

Senate To Vote Wednesday On Overturning FCC Net Neutrality Repeal
WASHINGTON, May 14, 2018 — The strong network neutrality rules put in place during the Obama administration’s final months will get an up-or-down vote in the United States Senate on Wednesday when a bill to overturn the FCC’s repeal of those rules reaches the Senate floor, Senate Minority Leader Chu

Sanders Won’t Say If Trump Will Sign Bill To Restore Obama-Era Net Neutrality Rules As FCC Prepares For Repeal
WASHINGTON, May 10, 2018 — White House Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders on Wednesday declined to say whether President Trump would sign a bill that would reverse the Federal Communications Commission’s repeal of network neutrality rules promulgated during the Obama administration. “We’ll keep

Blair Levin’s Scathing Takedown of FCC’s Ajit Pai, Broadband Deployment Advisory Committee, and 5G Hype
BROADBAND BREAKFAST INSIGHT: We were present at the Broadband Communities Summit at which Blair Levin gave these remarks; thanks to the Coalition for Local Internet Choice for providing the complete and unvarnished record of this important and scathing speech. Remember that Levin was the former exec

Senate Democrats Join With Collins To Force Vote On Restoring Obama Net Neutrality Rules
WASHINGTON, May 9, 2018 — Senate Democrats on Wednesday announced plans to invoke a rarely-used Senate procedure to force a floor vote on a bill to roll back the Federal Communications Commission’s repeal of Obama-era regulations preventing internet providers from blocking or throttling internet tra

Facebook and Net Neutrality Aside, Local Broadband Leaders Can Make a Difference
BROADBAND BREAKFAST INSIGHT: While Washington alternatively obsesses over net neutrality, beating up on Facebook, or other distractions brought to us by the man in the White House, how refreshing is it to encounter a piece like this. Mark Howell is demonstrating that leadership on a local level can

Bob Frankston: From Net Neutrality to Seizing Opportunity for New Networks
Network neutrality is an important issue. We mustn’t allow transport owners to limit our ability to communicate. But, network neutrality in itself positions the internet as a telecommunications service. We need to step back and recognize that the internet itself is part of a larger shift wrought by

Supreme Court Against Extends Deadline in Berninger v. FCC, the ‘Old’ Net Neutrality Case
BROADBAND BREAKFAST INSIGHT: Daniel Berninger has been a voice in the wilderness on the issue of net neutrality, and the Obama-era Federal Communications Commission’s efforts to reclassify broadband internet access services as common carriers, since 2015. But as an internet entrepreneur, he has dire

Washington Post Piece Criticizes Senate Democrats on Net Neutrality, Giving Them ‘Three Pinocchios’
BROADBAND BREAKFAST INSIGHT: This piece by The Washington Post has, in turn, prompting some gloating by Republicans over at the House Energy and Commerce Committee, which criticized the “sweeping claims” of Democrats: “That consumers will see a sharp drop in Internet speeds if the Federal Communicat

Democrats’ Seek #OneMoreVote for Net Neutrality and Launch Congressional Review Act Against Trump FCC
WASHINGTON, February 28, 2018 – Advocates of net neutrality are pushing for congressional action to overturn a December action by the Federal Communications Commission to repeal such rules. But they will have an uphill battle if they expect President Trump to sign off on gutting an action by his app

One Day After FCC’s Net Neutrality Repeal, Focus Turns to Reactions and Responses
WASHINGTON, December 15, 2017 – The Federal Communications Commission’s Thursday vote to repeal the “open internet” rules classifying broadband services as common carriers represents the most significant regulatory shift in the internet in more than a decade. Critics in Congress, at the agency, and

FCC Erases Net Neutrality Rules, Now Permits Internet Providers to Block and Throttle Consumers
WASHINGTON, December 14, 2017 – The Federal Communications Commission on Thursday voted 3-2, along party lines, to approve a proposal by Republican Chairman Ajit Pai repealing the “open internet” net neutrality rules classifying broadband internet service providers as common carriers. That leaves Am

Bob Frankston: It’s Time to Move From ‘Broadband’ to ‘Infrastructure’
The success of the internet demonstrates that we now depend on network operators to assure that services like telephony work. The carriers are pushing back on neutrality because their business model is threatened by a level playing field. We should be encouraging innovative internet-native business

Democrats Are Mad as Hell About FCC Chairman Ajit Pai’s Proposed Changes to Net Neutrality
WASHINGTON, December 7, 2017 — Tom Wheeler, the Federal Communications Commission chairman under President Obama, wasn’t coy in expressing his feelings about his replacement’s “abomination” of a plan to gut the open internet rules he put in place two-and-a-half years ago. “This is the culmination of

The Chairman of the FCC Returns to His Former Haunt at Verizon Nine Days Before Vote on Net Neutrality Rules
BROADBAND BREAKFAST INSIGHT: A great little piece from the Inverse lays out how the “Chatham House” rules may protect Federal Communications Commission Chairman Ajit Pai from being quoted for what he says at Verizon Communications, his former employer, nine days before net neutrality rules are set t

FCC Chairman Ajit Pai Tackles Twitter, Not ISPs, on Issues of ‘Neutrality’
BROADBAND BREAKFAST INSIGHT: Is everyone having enough fun on this issue of network neutrality/open internet/”search neutrality”/Twitter-fenestration? It’s been a wacky week, and the craziness is likely to accelerate over the next two weeks. Here, CNET’s Marguerite Reardon covers Pai’s Tuesday speec

The FCC Proposal to Overturn Net Neutrality Leads Congress to Express Support for Internet Rules
WASHINGTON, November 23, 2017 – Republicans on the House Energy and Commerce Committee on Wednesday praised plans by Federal Communications Commission Chairman Ajit Pai to roll back the network neutrality rules put in place by his predecessor, but pledged to work towards some sort of legislation tha

FCC Chairman Ajit Pai Launches His Biggest Battle: Eliminating Net Neutrality Regulations
WASHINGTON, November 21, 2017 – In a move that could further infuriate an already-energized coalition of technology industry power players, consumer advocates, and progressive interest groups, Federal Communications Commission Chairman Ajit Pai on Tuesday unveiled plans to undo the net neutrality ru

Mignon Clyburn Blasts FCC Chairman Ajit Pai for Failing to ‘Put Consumers First’
WASHINGTON, November 1, 2017 — After nearly a year in the minority on the Federal Communications Commission, Democratic FCC Commissioner Mignon Clyburn told reporters on Wednesday that she has had enough of a Republican majority that “is not putting consumers first.” “The first 10 months [under Cha

Net Neutrality Big Focus of House Oversight Subcommittee Hearing, With Stark Partisanship
WASHINGTON, July 26, 2017 – The official topic of Tuesday’s House Energy and Commerce subcommittee hearing was reauthorization of the Federal Communications Commission, but the big focus was on net neutrality. “The Commission’s decision in 2015 to reclassify the internet as a public utility was a po

Rural Broadband Focus Increasingly Necessary in Infrastructure Package, Say Blackburn and Panelists at Brookings
WASHINGTON, July 25, 2017 – Rural areas of Tennessee have lost business because they don’t have access to high-speed internet, Tennessee Republican Rep. Marsha Blackburn said Monday at a panel on broadband infrastructure hosted by the Brookings Institution. Trump was aggressively pushing new infrast

The Verge Highlights Possible Instance of Net Neutrality Violations by Verizon Wireless
BROADBAND BREAKFAST INSIGHT: We’ll look forward to further clarification about this issue from Verizon. This appears to be one documented instance of a network provider attempting to slow down video of a non-optimized service. Or in other words, a prime suspect of the need for some kind of net neutr
FCC Chairman Ajit Pai Questioned on Net Neutrality, Rural Broadband, During Re-Confirmation Hearing
WASHINGTON, July 20, 2017 – Federal Communications Commission Chairman Ajit Pai came to his re-confirmation hearing Wednesday with a message that network neutrality regulations were hurting infrastructure investments. The hearing joined Pai, current FCC chairman, with Jessica Rosenworcel, who had be

Trump Administration Spokesmen Support FCC Chairman Pai’s Net Neutrality Reversal
WASHINGTON, July 20, 2017 — Bolstering Federal Communications Commission Chairman Ajit Pai in advance of his Senate confirmation hearing, the White House late Tuesday said the Trump Administration was committed to Pai’s plans to roll back net neutrality regulations put in place by former FCC Chairma

Net Neutrality Advocates Gearing Up for July 12 Day of Protest Against FCC Reversal
WASHINGTON, July 6, 2017 – A range of advocates for net neutrality gathering under the banner of Fight for the Future have teamed up to host an online protest, “Internet-Wide Day of Action to Save Net Neutrality” on Wednesday, July 12. Reddit and Public Knowledge are among the more than 100 companie

Rep. Anna Eshoo and Silicon Valley Advocates Push Back on FCC’s Net Neutrality Change
MOUNTAIN VIEW, California, July 6, 2017 – The world looks to the United States to see how the country treats its own inventions, Rep. Anna Eshoo, D-California, said last week at a June 26 roundtable on the subject of net neutrality at Mozilla Headquarters here. The roundtable is part of a push to co

Before Congress, FCC Chairman Ajit Pai Defends 5 Percent Budget Cut and Changes to Net Neutrality Rules
WASHINGTON, June 21, 2017 — Cuts in the Federal Communications Commission budget won’t hinder the agency’s ability to provide services because the agency is entirely funded by fees, Republican FCC Chairman Ajit Pai told senators on Tuesday during a Senate Appropriations subcommittee hearing to exami

Rep. Marsha Blackburn at Partisan Hearing on Cybercrime: ‘Hackers are Smart, and They are Adapting’
WASHINGTON, June 15, 2017 – Cybercrimes cost the global economy about $450 billion annually, House Communications Subcommittee Chairman Marsha Blackburn, R-Tennessee, said Tuesday as she cited the 2017 Hiscox Cyber Readiness Report. “Hackers are smart, and they are adapting,” said Blackburn. “McAfee

There Was Little to Show for Digital Broadband During the ‘Infrastructure Week’ at the White House
WASHINGTON, June 12, 2017 — Despite myriad public events and a soundbyte-friendly title of “Infrastructure Week,” last week the White House was light on infrastructure and nearly empty of plans to build out 21st century digital infrastructure of fiber or wireless broadband. “There’s not going to be

The Net Neutrality Battle Now Continues on Only Two Fronts: At the FCC and in Congress
BROADBAND BREAKFAST INSIGHT: Federal Communications Commission Chairman Ajit Pai’s take on this may seem inconsistent, but from his perspective, anything that preserves FCC authority will help him preserve his (pending) rule to overturn the reclassification of broadband as a Title II service. Now th
Federal Communications Chairman Announces Widely-Anticipated ‘Net Neutrality’ Speech on Wednesday
WASHINGTON, April 25, 2017 – The Federal Communications Commission announced that FCC Chairman Ajit Pai will speak Wednesday afternoon at the Newseum, at an event hosted by the free-market Freedom Works, to lay out his approach to reversing the agency’s “open internet” order under his predecessor, f
Ajit Pai Comes to Senate Oversight Hearing, Defends his More Limited Vision of FCC Authority
WASHINGTON, March 10, 2017 – Federal Communications Commission Chairman Ajit Pai defended his very vision of the agency’s role, as compared with his predecessor, during the first Senate Commerce Committee oversight hearing this year. The difference in attitude between Pai and former Chairman Tom Whe
In Ending Inquiry About ‘Zero Rating,’ FCC Chairman Ajit Pai May Change Rules on Net Neutrality
Broadband Breakfast Insight: A summary article highlighting the various impact from the Friday actions, led by Federal Communications Commissioner Ajit Pai. The big-ticket item highlighted is the end of the inquiry by the FCC under former Chairman Tom Wheeler into “zero rating,” a practice of offeri
Advocacy Group Free Press Criticizes FCC’s Friday News Dump
Broadband Breakfast Insight: One advocacy group reacts to the actions from the Federal Communications Commission on Friday, in which numerous decisions and actions of the Obama administration FCC were overturned in a “Friday news dump.” New FCC Chairman Releases a Friday-Afternoon Flurry of Anti-Con
Statement from FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler Regarding DC Circuit Decision to Uphold FCC’s Open Internet Rules
WASHINGTON, June 14, 2016 – Today, the DC Circuit upheld the FCC’s Open Internet rules. The following statement can be attributed to FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler. “Today’s ruling is a victory for consumers and innovators who deserve unfettered access to the entire web, and it ensures the internet remai
On Net Neutrality, Six Ways The FCC’s Public Utility Order Will Lose In Court
[https://broadbandbreakfast.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/bc0476bc-b1b5-4720-b984-7038509a64f8.jpg]http://www.scoop.it/t/broadbandpolicy/p/4040939801/2015/04/08/on-net-neutrality-six-ways-the-fcc-s-public-utility-order-will-lose-in-court > Now that the festivities celebrating the FCC’s “historic”
Five Years After ‘Think Big With a Gig,’ Google Fiber No Longer The Only Major Gigabit Player
February 3, 2015 – In announcing last week that it was expanding Google Fiber to four new metropolitan areas in the Southeastern United States, the search engine giant-turned-internet service provider emphasized multiple initiatives toward Gigabit Networks. On January 27, Google announced that nearl
White House Supports Growing National Movement of Local Leaders for Gigabit Networks
WASHINGTON, January 14, 2015 – The White House on Tuesday announced efforts to end laws that harm broadband competition, several steps to support a growing national movement of local leaders for Gigabit Networks, plus new federal funding and a new initiative to support community broadband. The annou
Speaking at Federal Trade Commission, Obama Urges Internet Privacy Legislation for Consumers and Students
WASHINGTON, January 12, 2015 – President Barack Obama on Monday announced that his administration would push for two new pieces of federal internet privacy legislation, one pertaining to consumers and one pertaining to students. He also announced that the Department of Education would offer new tool
Media Institute Launches Program to Protect a Version of Global Online Free Speech
WASHINGTON, December 9, 2014 – The Media Institute announced a new initiative on November 24 aimed to protect the group’s view of internet freedoms around the world. Entitled Global Free Speech and the Internet, this program will be “guided by a number of underlying principles, based on the belief t
Austin Allen: Surprise! Everybody Wants Net Neutrality
WASHINGTON, November 13, 2014 – Net neutrality has been the hottest topic in tech policy for months. Politicians on the left say their opponents stand foursquare against the tenets of a free and open internet. Politicians on the right that their adversaries are trying to apply outmoded and outdated
Roslyn Layton: Orwellian Symbolism of Barack Obama, Seeking to Classify Broadband as a Utility, in China
The White House issued a statement of support of government regulation of the Internet.

Internet Society of New York Event Surveys Broadband Landscape at Home and Abroad
NEW YORK, November 12, 2014 – The Internet Society of New York (ISOC-NY) and the Federal Communications Bar Association gathered at Brooklyn Law School’s Forchelli Center on a beautiful November day here. The views of Brooklyn from the 22nd floor, across to Staten Island and New Jersey, were breatht
Technology Groups, Members of Congress Laud and Criticize Obama’s Net Neutrality Statement
WASHINGTON, November 12, 2014 – President Obama sparked both praise and anger on Monday when he urged the Federal Communications Committee to classify broadband as a regulated utility under Title II of the Communications Act. With liberals pushing for Title II regulation and with conservatives decry
Post Election Query: Can Republicans Deliver Action on Tech and Telecom Policy?
WASHINGTON, November 7, 2014 — In the wake of the Republican victory in the Senate on Tuesday, some see tech policy as one area for the party to deliver on the rallying cry of post-partisan compromise, commented TechFreedom President Berin Szoka. Tech policy issues like net neutrality has been the b
White House and Wheeler Together, Cable Industry Group, and Commentary on NTIA Broadband Report
WASHINGTON, October 20, 2014 – Federal Communications Commission Chairman Tom Wheeler said that he and President Barack Obama agree in their opposition to paid prioritization, Multichannel News reported. Obama stated his objection to the practice during his remarks at an innovation forum in Californ
Broadband Roundup: A Spectrum Efficiency Challenge, Comcast Comments, Verizon Vexes Industry
WASHINGTON, October 7, 2014 – Federal Communications Commissioner Jessica Rosenworcel and wireless industry pioneer Marty Cooper took to the opinion page of the San Jose Mercury News to offer their thoughts on the future of wireless spectrum. As they emphasized the importance and centrality of mobil
An Active Debate Over Whether Wireless Broadband Must Also Play Under Net Neutrality Rules
WASHINGTON, September 29, 2014 – Whether or not mobile Internet providers will be subject to the same net neutrality rules as wired broadband providers has become an increasingly prominent factor in the current debate over net neutrality rules. The proposal laid out by the Federal Communications Com
Broadband Roundup: Incumbents Defend Data Caps, Comcast Cites Competition for Merger, and Wheeler Seeks Diversity of Media Ownership
WASHINGTON, September 24, 2014 –Verizon Communications and AT&T are urging the Federal Communications Commission to include the use of data caps in the agency’s definition of broadband. Including usage-based pricing in its definition is important because companies that use universal service funds to
Broadband Roundup: FTC a Loser Under Title II, Rural Gigabit Projects, and Wireless Sponsored Data
WASHINGTON, September 23, 2014 – In a filing with the Federal Communications Commission, the Federal Trade Commission noted that some of its regulatory authority would be lost if the FCC decided to regulate broadband as a public utility. The FTC protects the privacy and security of consumer data by
Broadband Roundup: Tech Companies Support Muni Broadband, Open Internet A Civil Rights Issue, Former AT&T Partners Caution Against DirecTV Bid
WASHINGTON, September 22, 2014 – The Internet Association asked the Federal Communications Commission to carefully consider blocking state laws that inhibit municipalities from enlarging their government run Internet networks, The Hill reported. The association, while abstaining from directly asking
Three Women in Communications Policy Highlight Citizen Participation, Activism and Engagement for Broadband
SPRINGFIELD, Mass., September 22, 2014 – Three of the most prominent women in communications policy on Thursday highlighted the vital role of citizen participation, activism and corporate engagement to ensure a collective high-speed broadband future. “The next six to eight months are perhaps going t
Critics and Supporters of Net Neutrality Trade Claims at Senate Judiciary Committee Hearing
WASHINGTON, September 21, 2014 – At a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing on Wednesday, critics of net neutrality warned against the negative impacts of internet regulation while supporters of net neutrality said that practices by major communications demonstrated the need for such protections. Both
FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler Says Title II Reclassification of Broadband On The Table
WASHINGTON, September 18, 2014 – During a House Small Business Committee meeting on Wednesday, Federal Communications Commission Chairman Tom Wheeler comfortably discoursed on his years as a small business owner. The hearing covered topics including broadband’s impact on small businesses, that lack
Broadband for America and Telecommunications Industry Association Reiterates Opposition to Public Utility Regulation
WASHINGTON, September 18, 2014 – The pro-business advocacy group Broadband for America reinforced its opposition to public utility regulation of broadband providers during a Monday teleconference on net neutrality. Instead, the group said that they support efforts to use Section 706 of the Telecommu
Broadband Roundup: Advocacy Groups Weigh in Pro-and-Con on Net Neutrality
WASHINGTON, September 17, 2014 – A variety of developments on the battle regarding network neutrality: FreePress Tells FCC Title II Ensures Net Neutrality Protections The advocacy group Free Press blasted Federal Communications Commission Chairman Tom Wheeler’s efforts to use Section 706 of the Tele
Broadband Roundup: California Public Utilities Commission Delays Title II Regulation
WASHINGTON, September 15, 2014 – Set to pass a proposal enduring public utility regulation of broadband providers under Title II of the Communications Act, the California Public Utilities Commission instead put the proposal on hold, reported Multichannel News. The proposal endorsing Title II regulat
How Internet Companies Are Driving a Public Utility Regulation Approach to Net Neutrality
WASHINGTON, September 12, 2014 – In what would have seemed highly unlikely just a few months ago, growing support for public utility regulation is emerging. Tech companies, politicians, internet service providers, and component makers have started to outline their views regarding their policy approa
Broadband Roundup: Senate Announces Hearings on Open Internet, While House Democratcs Urge FCC to Regulate Broadband, and Popular Web Sites Protest ‘Slow Lanes’
WASHINGTON, September 10, 2014 – The Senate Judiciary Committee announced that it had scheduled a hearing next Wednesday on the best means to protect an open internet. Committee Chairman Patrick Leahy, D-Vt., said he saw the hearing as an opportunity to hear testimony about his views regarding impor
FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler Promotes Google Fiber’s Impact on Competition and Gigabit Networks
WASHINGTON, September 5, 2014 – Google Fiber has been perhaps the primary driver of the current push toward high-speed internet in the United States, Federal Communications Commission Chairman Tom Wheeler said in a speech here yesterday on the future of broadband competition. In an otherwise general
Speakers at Minority Telecom Conference Call Broadband a 21st Century Civil Right
WASHINGTON, July 30, 2014 – Speakers at a Minority Media Telecommunications Council conference here on Monday advocated for expanded minority-based involvement with and access to broadband capital. “Broadband is the 21st Century’s civil right and our laws must reflect the digital shift,” said Rep. G
Broadband Roundup: Battle of the Lobbyists, Holding Comcast Accountable and Satellite Reauthorization
WASHINGTON, July 23, 2014 – Broadband providers are outspending internet search and content firms on lobbying lawmakers and regulators, Recode reported. However, among single companies, Google spent more than any internet provider in both of the past two quarters. ISPs and their trade associations h
Critics at Digital Policy Institute Say Net Neutrality Is a Solution In Search of a Problem
WASHINGTON, July 22, 2014 – As the Federal Communications Commission received more than a million comments on the agency’s push for net neutrality regulations governing the conduct of broadband providers, critics argued on July 15 that net neutrality is a counter-intuitive solution in search of a pr
Broadband Roundup: More Than a Million Comments on Net Neutrality, Plus Seattle Goes Again for Gigabit Broadband
WASHINGTON, July 21, 2014 – More than one million comments were received by the Federal Communications Commission on net neutrality before the Friday night deadline, Reuters reported. The second round of comments will give the public until Sept. 10 to respond. AT&T pitched to the FCC its proposal th
Broadband Roundup: Comcast Seeks Lighter Regulation on Net Neutrality, Mozilla and CCIA Want Heavier Touch
WASHINGTON, July 16, 2014 – Due to an “overwhelming surge in traffic to its website,” the Federal Communications Commission delayed its deadline for comment submissions on net neutrality until midnight Friday, Forbes reported. As of Wednesday, the FCC had received 780,000 comments, thus far. The tra
Broadband Roundup: Internet Giants on Net Neutrality and FCC’s Rural Broadband Launch
WASHINGTON, July 14, 2014 – Some of the world’s leading tech giants, represented by a lobbying firm called the Internet Association, have officially filed their petition for net neutrality. The companies include Google, Facebook, Netflix and Amazon, among others. “The internet’s continued success is
Al Franken at Free Press Panel: The Internet Is the First Amendment Issue of Our Time
WASHINGTON, July 9, 2014 – The internet is the First Amendment issue of our time, Sen. Al Franken, D-Minn, said at a Tuesday panel discussion hosted by the non-profit advocacy group Free Press. He chastised opponents of net neutrality for not understanding that without it, “deep-pocketed corporation
Broadband Roundup: Charter Schools Love E-Rate, Kickstarter CEO on ‘Fast Lanes,’ and Broadband Video Quality
WASHINGTON, July 7, 2014 – As the Federal Communications Commission prepares to vote on E-Rate modernization July 11, some educators are “threatening to derail” the process according to The Hill. These educators have criticized Chairman Tom Wheeler’s proposal for focusing large sums of funding on Wi
Broadband Roundup: Baltimore Fiber, T-Mobile Throttling, and Cybersecurity Legislation Concerns
WASHINGTON, July 3, 2014 – Leaders of the Baltimore Broadband Campaign are saying that Comcast has a monopoly over fast internet services in the city of Baltimore. Over a course of two years, Comcast customers pay about $1,000 for standard “triple play service, write Philip Spevak, Stan Wilson and A
Two Critics of Broadband Regulation Lament How Broadband Utility Advocates are ‘Taking their Case’ to American Public
WASHINGTON, July 1, 2014 – The best way to prevent the internet from “fundamentally changing” is to not “fundamentally change internet regulation,” according to Federal Communications Commissioner Ajit Pai. In a speech that attempted to rally the faithful to his “light touch regulation” approach, th
Phoenix Center Roundtable Features Critics of Net Neutrality Urging Fellow Critics to Make Voices Heard
WASHINGTON, July 1, 2014 – At an informal Phoenix Center roundtable on Tuesday, June 24, Federal Communications Commissioner Michael O’Rielly criticized net neutrality and urged fellow critics to take advantage of the FCC’s open comment period on the topic. Comedians like John Oliver of the Daily Sh
Broadband Roundup: Supreme Court Upholds Privacy and Copyright, Plus FCC’s Wheeler Talks Net Neutrality in Silicon Valley
WASHINGTON, June 26, 2014 – The Supreme Court ruled unanimously Wednesday that a search warrant is necessary for police to search the digital content of an arrested individual’s cell phone. Chief Justice John Roberts, writing for the court, held that the contents of mobile phones are protected under
Nipping at Heels of FCC’s Net Neutrality Proceeding, Legislators Introduce Bill Barring ‘Paid Prioritization’
WASHINGTON, June 17, 2014 – Sen. Patrick Leahy, D-Vt., and Rep. Doris Matsui, D-Calif., on Tuesday introduced a bill, the Online Competition and Consumer Choice Act, that would grant the Federal Communications Commission the authority to bar so-called “paid prioritization” agreements between interne
Broadband Roundup: House Communications Committee Seeks Comments from Trade Groups on Telecom Law
WASHINGTON, June 17, 2014 – The House Energy and Commerce Committee put forward an opportunity for individuals and interest groups to offer comment on telecommunications policy, and many individuals and trade groups took advantage of the opportunity, The Hill reported The Telecommunications Industry
Broadband Roundup: FCC to Police Dispute Between Netflix and Verizon, Michael Powell Defends FCC Chief
WASHINGTON, June 16, 2014 – In the midst of Netflix’s quarrels with Verizon Communications, Federal Communications Commission Chairman Tom Wheeler said in a statement Friday that the commission will investigate slowdowns in traffic to ascertain whether there’s harm to consumers. “To be clear, what w
Broadband Roundup: AT&T Won’t Block Internet, Google and Vodafone Working to ‘Seal Cracks’ in Net
WASHINGTON, June 9, 2014 – In a blog post on Friday, AT&T gave its assurance that paid prioritization was not part of the telecommnications gianits plans. “Not a single [internet service provider] has asserted a desire or right to engage in any of these practices to create ‘fast lanes and slow lanes
Broadband Roundup: Comcast Blasts Public Utility Regulation, White House to Host Smart Home Expo, and ‘Commercially Reasonable’ Data Roaming
WASHINGTON, May 29, 2014 – Comcast CEO Brian Roberts has defended his company and its proposed merger with Time Warner Cable against critics, reports Re/code. Saying that he could accept “some kind of net neutrality law,” he scorned the idea of reclassifying broadband as a public utility under Title
Is Internet Interconnection the New Network Neutrality? Panel Suggests a New Regulatory Creep
WASHINGTON, May 28, 2014 – The Federal Communications Commission is likely to experience increasing pressure to intervene in and resolve disputes involving internet interconnection, experts said on Tuesday at a panel hosted by the Progressive Policy Institute. Central to the discussion was the quest
FCC’s Wheeler Testifies Before House Subcommittee, Defends Record on Net Neutrality
WASHINGTON, May 20, 2014 – Federal Communications Commission Chairman Tom Wheeler came under heavy criticism during a Tuesday hearing before the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Communications and Technology, with many members expressing disapproval of the agency’s recent performance, parti
Broadband Roundup: FBI after Chinese Hackers, AT&T after DirecTV, Congress after FCC Chairman Wheeler
WASHINGTON, May 20, 2014 – On Monday, tensions with China over cybersecurity increased as the U.S. Justice Department indicted five Chinese military officers for stealing trade secrets from six United States companies. The Guardian quoted Attorney General Eric Holder as saying, “The range of trade s
Broadband Roundup: AT&T-DirecTV Merger and its Impact on the Marketplace
WASHINGTON, May 19, 2014 – AT&T announced that it would acquire DirecTV in a $48.5 billion deal, according to multiple sources. The agreement may allow AT&T to position itself in a way to rival cable firms. AT& would acquire about 20 million of DirecTV’s customers. The Washington Post recounts that
Building a Legal Case for Net Neutrality Rules, FCC’s Wheeler Hopes Courts Will Look Favorably on His Logic
WASHINGTON, May 19, 2014 – The D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals struck down the Federal Communications Commission’s last two efforts to enshrine network neutrality. So what makes current chairman Tom Wheeler feel as though he can succeed where two of his predecessors failed? The answers lie in the det
Critics on Both Ends of the FCC’s Net Neutrality Rules, With a Few Supporters in the Middle
WASHINGTON, May 19, 2014 – The Federal Communication Commission’s effort to thread the needle on net neutrality with regulations that will withstand legal scrutiny while also satisfying open internet activists led to starkly divided responses to the Thursday measure. In the camp expressing disappoi
At the Scene of the Federal Communications Commission as the Agency Passes Net Neutrality Rules
WASHINGTON, May 16, 2014 – In a Federal Commissions Commission meeting tinged with protest, the agency voted Thursday to begin a process to re-established certain network neutrality rules after they had been struck down by a federal appeals court in January. On a 3-2 vote, the agency’s three Democr
‘On the Internet, No One Knows You’re a Child’: The Short Life of Aaron Swartz, at Sundance
On the internet, no one knows you’re a child.

D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals Strikes Down FCC’s Net Neutrality Rules
WASHINGTON, January 14, 2014 – The D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals, in a setback for the Federal Communications Commission, on Tuesday stuck down the agency’s Open Internet Order, issued in 2010. The open internet rules built upon a prior policy statement issued by the FCC in 2005. In 2010, former age
Thought of the Day: Saving Net Neutrality Through an Anti-Competition-Based Approach
With growing concern by some advocates of network neutrality that the D.C. Circuit is about to side with Verizon Communications, and against the Federal Communications Commission, on the agency’s open internet rules, the search is on to find another way to legislatively mandate openness. Over at Gig
Verizon v. Federal Communications Commission Oral Argument Today on Net Neutrality
September 9, 2013 – Monday marks the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals’ long-awaited oral arguments in Verizon Communication’s challenge to Federal Communications Commission’s 2008 rules governing network neutrality, or rules requiring that internet companies not offer discounted services for web busine
Creating Innovation-Friendly Environment and Promoting Seemless Transition to Internet Protocol Services Discussed at The Cable Show
WASHINGTON, June 11, 2013 – Creating an innovation-friendly environment and facilitating the internet protocol transition were featured as two Federal Communications Commission legal advisers spoke Tuesday at the National Cable and Telecommunications Association’s Cable Show. The panel consisted of
Congressional Panel at The Cable Show Highlights Spectrum, Net Neutrality, and Universal Service Issues
WASHINGTON, June 11, 2013 – Spectrum policy, net neutrality, and Universal Service Fund reforms were among the topics discussed by congressional staffers at The Cable Show panel entitled “Capitol Perspectives: Commerce Committee Staffers on Communications Policy.” The panel, held at the annual conve
MetroPCS Withdraws Legal Claims Against Federal Communications Commission Net Neutrality Rules
WASHINGTON, May 23, 2013 — Wireless provider MetroPCS moved last Friday to dismiss its claims in the lawsuit challenging the Federal Communication Commission’s net neutrality laws. In the motion, MetroPCS, which recently merged with T-Mobile, noted that the FCC and the Department of Justice had alre
Net Neutrality
Whether broadband providers may prioritize delivery of bits by the entities they own is a divisive topic.
On Friday, FCC Chairman Genachowski to Announce Departure; Accomplishments Include National Broadband Plan, USF, Wireless Auctions and Wireless Competition
Julius Genachowski plans to announce his departure from the Federal Communications Commission.
FCC Wireless Telecom Bureau Chief to Keynote ‘Data Caps, the Spectrum Crunch and the Wireless Home’
WASHINGTON, Wednesday, January 30th, 2013 – The broadband policy news and events service BroadbandBreakfast.com will hold its February 2013 Broadband Breakfast Club event: “Data Caps for Wireless Broadband, the Spectrum Crunch and the Wireless Home” on Tuesday, February 19th, 2013 at Clyde’s of Gall
Cable Industry Group Criticizes Sen. Ron Wyden’s Data Cap Integrity Measure
WASHINGTON, December 21, 2012 – The Nation Cable and Telecommunications Association, the trade group representing cable operators serving more than 90 percent of the nation’s households, on Friday released a statement criticizing the Data Cap Integrity Act introduced by Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Ore. “Regre
Public Knowledge Weighs in on Sen. Ron Wyden and Broadband Data Caps
WASHINGTON, December 20, 2012 – On Thursday Senator Ron Wyden, D-Ore. proposed a data caps bill that encourages transparency for customers so they can further understand their data usage and to ensure that innovation is not hampered by a cap on data. The non-profit organization Public Knowledge has
November Broadband Breakfast Club Event: The International Telecommunications Union and the Global Open Internet
WASHINGTON, Thursday, November 15th, 2012 — The internet policy news and events service BroadbandBreakfast.com will hold its November 2012 Broadband Breakfast Club event “The International Telecommunications Union and the Global Open Internet” on Tuesday, November 20th, 2012 at Clyde’s of Gallery Pl
Spectrum Bill and Broadband Breakfast Pre Holiday Wrap Up
WASHINGTON December 14, 2011 – The FCC, the Hill and the Telecom industry has been busy over the last couple of weeks. Here is a wrap-up of the most important events. House Passes Spectrum Auction Incentive Bill After a 234-193 vote, the House Payroll Tax Extension Bill incorporated the full version
Broadband Breakfast Serves a Thanksgiving Leftover Wrap-Up
WASHINGTON, November 25 2011 – As we all sit and digest post Thanksgiving, Broadband Breakfast can finally wrap up some stories that we have been interested in over the past couple of weeks but have not had time to get around to. We wanted to draw attention to a couple of the stories below and […]
Senate Upholds FCC Open Internet Rules
WASHINGTON Friday November 10, 2011. Thursday afternoon, the Senate voted 52 – 46 to defeat S.J Res 6 which would have overturned the Federal Communication Commissions Open Internet Rules. The rules are now set to go into effect on Nov 20, but they still face challenges in the courts from companies
Kerry Urges Senate to Reject Open Internet CRA Measure Ahead of Next Week’s Vote
WASHINGTONDC, Friday Nov 4th 2011. Seven months after the House of Representatives passed House Joint Resolution 37 which prohibits the FCC from regulating how internet service providers manage their broadband networks, the Senate will take their shot at the Congressional Review Act measure to ov
OECD Releases Open Internet Framework
WASHINGTON July 6, 2011- The Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) released the Communiqué on Principles for Internet Policy Making last week, presenting a new framework of policies that will promote open internet regulations while still protecting the rights of content maker
May Broadband Breakfast Explores AT&T/T-Mobile Merger
WASHINGTON May 18, 2011 – Broadband Breakfast gathered former Federal Communications Commission and Department of Justice officials along with leading industry experts to explore how the government will scrutinize the AT&T T-Mobile merger. Will the FCC or the Justice Department Be Tougher on the
Minow and Genachowski Discuss Spectrum and the Internet
WASHINGTON May 10, 2011 -To commemorate the 50th anniversary of former Federal Communications Commission Chairman, Newton Minow’s famous speech in which he called television a “vast wasteland,” the National Press Club and the George Washington University Global Media Institute gathered current FCC C
Congressional Members Discuss Net Neutrality, Privacy and Spectrum at CCIA Meeting
WASHINGTON May 5, 2011- At the Washington Caucus meeting of the Computer and Communications Industry Association Wednesday, Congressional leaders presented their views on preserving the Open Internet, expanding patent reform, ensuring consumer privacy online and the need for spectrum reform.
EU to Investigate Network Neutrality Violations
WASHINGTON April 25, 2011 – European Commission Vice President for the Digital Agenda, Nellie Kroes, announced last week that her office, in conjunction with European Union member states, will investigate claims of throttling and service degradation by internet service providers.
Walden Speaks On Net Neutrality, Spectrum At Cable Summit
WASHINGTON April 14, 2011 – Rep. Greg Walden (R-OR), Chairman of the Communications and Technology Subcommittee, voiced his opposition Wednesday to network neutrality, supported increased oversight of the Federal Communications Commission and addressed how spectrum issues need to be explored with gr
Free Press Panel Blasts ‘Broken’ FCC
BOSTON, April 13, 2011 – Panelists at the Free Press National Conference for Media Reform railed on the Federal Communications Commission over the weekend, debating to what extent the Commission has been “captured” by industry and how to fix it. Joel Kelsey, Political Advisor at Free Press, moderat
Copps, Clyburn Push Media Reform In Boston
BOSTON, April 11, 2011 – Speaking to a standing-room only crowd on Friday afternoon, Federal Communications Commissioners Michael Copps and Mignon Clyburn addressed media consolidation and broadband deployment before fielding questions at a town hall meeting during Free Press’s National Conference f
5 Questions With: Ben Huh On Net Neutrality
BOSTON, April 11, 2011 – During the Free Press National Conference on Media Reform in Boston over the weekend, Managing Editor, Jonathan Charnitski sat down with Cheezburger Network owner and CEO, Ben Huh, to find out how the debate over net neutrality shapes one of the largest – and funniest – user
Measure To Block Open Internet Order Passes House
WASHINGTON, April 8, 2011 – In a strongly party-line vote Friday afternoon, the House passed House Joint Resolution 37, an action that would undo the Federal Communications Commission’s net neutrality rules.
House To Vote On Anti-Net Neutrality Measure; Administration Threatens Veto
WASHINGTON, April 5, 2011 – The House of Representatives is anticipated to hold a floor debate and vote this week on a measure that would put the kibosh on net neutrality rules passed by the Federal Communications Commission late last year, but the White House has said that it would likely veto such
Federal Court Dismisses Verizon, Metro PCS Net Neutrality Appeals
WASHINGTON, April 5, 2011 – The United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit dismissed a suit Monday seeking to overturn the Federal Communications Commission’s recent net neutrality rules, finding that the appellants in the case filed their appeal prematurely.
House Committee Passes Resolution To Nullify Open Internet Rules
WASHINGTON, March 16, 2011 – The House Energy and Commerce Committee voted in favor of a resolution Tuesday that would undo the Federal Communications Commission’s recent net neutrality rules; the measure will now go before the full House for a vote.
House Subcommittee Votes To Nullify Open Internet Order
WASHINGTON, March 9, 2011 – The Communications and Technology Subcommittee voted Wednesday in a 15-8 party-line vote to disapprove the new Federal Communications Committee net neutrality regulations. Chairman Greg Walden presided over hearing Wednesday morning, which debated the open Internet regul
FCC Commissioner Baker Outlines Plan For Merger Review Overhaul
WASHINGTON, March 3, 2011 – FCC Commissioner Meredith Baker outlined a plan to reform the Commission corporate mergers review process in a keynote address at the Institute for Policy Innovation’s Communications Summit Wednesday.
Subcommittee Postpones Vote on Resolution to Reverse Open Internet Order
WASHINGTON, March 2, 2010 – The House Subcommittee on Communications and Technology postponed last-minute a vote scheduled for Wednesday morning on a resolution that would reverse the Federal Communications Commission’s Open Internet Order. Chairman Fred Upton agreed to postpone the vote in order to
House Subcommittee Puts FCC, Net Neutrality On Firing Line
WASHINGTON, February 17, 2011 – Members of the House subcommittee on Communications and Technology took the opportunity during a hearing on Wednesday to grill the five FCC commissioners on the Commission’s recent Open Internet Order in a marathon session.
AT&T, NCTA Seek Clarification From FCC On Level 3 Dispute
WASHINGTON, February 16, 2011 – The National Cable & Telecommunications Association (NCTA) and AT&T submitted a letter Monday to the FCC asking that the Commission to clarify its recently announced net neutrality rules as they relate to backbone internet services.
NARUC Panel Explores Network Neutrality
WASHINGTON, February 15, 2011 – The National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners Committee on Telecommunications convened a panel of industry experts Monday morning to discuss the Federal Communications Commission’s recently issued Open Internet Order and its legal ramifications.
D.C. Circuit Denies Verizon Motion for Same Panel as Comcast Net Neutrality Case
The United States Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit denied Verizon’s request Wednesday to assign to its current net neutrality challenge the same panel of judges that decided Comcast’s challenge last year.
Analysis: CNBCU Conditions Will Stimulate Growth, Not Restrict It
The Federal Communications Commission’s recent approval of Comcast’s purchase of NBCU has come with some major conditions that will limit any potential discriminatory policies the new firm might have engaged in. The new entity, CNBCU, will become one of the nation’s largest content creation and dis
FCC Files Motion to Throw Out Open Internet Challenges by Verizon, MetroPCS
WASHINGTON, January 31, 2011 – The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) filed a motion Friday afternoon asking the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals to dismiss lawsuits by Verizon and MetroPCS against the agency over its recent Open Internet Order.
Cantwell Introduces Pro-Net Neutrality Legislation
WASHINGTON, January 25, 2011 – Sen. Maria Cantwell (D-WA) introduced legislation Tuesday to strengthen Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) net-neutrality rules. The Internet Freedom, Broadband Promotion, and Consumer Protection Act of 2011 is co-sponsored by Sen. Al Franken (D-MN), who, along
Bono Mack Seeks Public Support in Opposition of Network Neutrality
WASHINGTON, January 25, 2011 – Rep. Mary Bono Mack (R-CA) established an online petition via tweet and press release Monday in opposition of the Federal Communications Commission’s Open Internet Order. The Order provides three guidelines by which internet service providers (ISPs) must abide in their
Verizon Sues to Invalidate Open Internet Order; Follows in Comcast’s Footsteps
Washington, January 24, 2011 – Verizon Communications filed a federal lawsuit Thursday, challenging the Federal Communications Commission’s recent Open Internet Order. Verizon argued that the FCC does not have the authority to implement the new rules. The Order, which was handed down from the Commis
Rockefeller to Focus on Fraud, Cybersecurity
WASHINGTON, January 24, 2011 – The Chairman of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, Sen. John D. Rockefeller IV (D-WV), released his legislative agenda for the upcoming year on Friday. The senator plans to prioritize three broad areas: economic security and growth, proactiv
MetroPCS Accused of Violating Open Internet Order
Consumer groups sent a letter to the FCC last week accusing low-cost carrier, MetroPCS, of violating the Open Internet Order by limiting user access to services. The Center for Media Justice, Free Press, Media Access Project, New America Foundation and Presente.org submitted a letter to the Federal
Congressional Action on Telecommunications Act in Question at Broadband Breakfast Club
WASHINGTON, January 20, 2011 – After 15 years of explosive growth and innovation in telecommunications since the last major revision, the 112th Congress is faced with the question of whether the law is keeping up with technology. On Tuesday, our panelists discussed whether Congress should consider a
Eshoo Named Ranking Member of Communications, Tech and Internet Subcommittee
WASHINGTON, January 20, 2011 – The House Energy and Commerce Committee Democrats released subcommittee assignments this evening, naming Rep. Anna Eshoo (CA-14) as ranking member of the Communications, Technology and Internet subcommittee for the 112th Congress. The subcommittee holds legislative jur
FCC Approves Comcast-NBCU Merger
WASHINGTON – The Federal Communications Commission announced Tuesday afternoon that it had come to an agreement with Comcast and NBC Universal to approve the merger of the two companies. The Commission gave the merger the go ahead after the companies agreed to a number of conditions, among them adhe
FCC Issues Open Internet Challenge
The Federal Communications Commission launched a program Friday challenging the public to create an application that will provide third-party verification that internet service providers do not violate the Commission’s recent Open Internet Order. The Order supplied rules but did not identify a mech
Chairman Genachowski Outlines FCC Goals at Consumer Electronics Show
LAS VEGAS, January 10, 2011 – FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski highlighted the Commission’s successes in the 111th Congress and looked to its goals in the 112th during a discussion with at the Consumer Electronics Show on Friday. The conversation between the Chairman and the Consumer Electronics Ass
BroadbandBreakfast.com Announces Winter 2011 Breakfast Topics
WASHINGTON, January 7, 2011 – The Washington-based internet and intellectual property policy news and events service, BroadbandBreakfast.com, https://broadbandbreakfast.com, announces its Winter 2011 series of events (January through February) for the Intellectual Property and Broadband Breakfast Cl
CES Panel Debates Net Neutrality, With Carriers Complaining About FCC Rules
LAS VEGAS, January 6, 2011 – Government and industry representatives gathered Thursday at the Consumer Electronics Show for a panel discussion on the merits of the FCC’s recent Open Internet Order and its effects on the broadband industry. Cecilia Kang of the Washington Post moderated the panel, in
FCC Issues Open Internet Rules
WASHINGTON, December 22, 2010 – In an uncommon split vote on Tuesday, the FCC handed down an order requiring network providers to abide by certain rules intended to maintain network neutrality.
Support Dims for FCC Chairman’s Open Internet Proposal
WASHINGTON, December 21, 2010 – Federal Communications Commission Chairman Julius Genachowski on Dec. 1 announced that there would be a set of open internet rules that his agency would vote on during its open meeting on Dec. 21. While many stakeholders in the debate initially were happy to learn tha
Sen. Hutchison Seeks to Block Open Internet Regulation
WASHINGTON, December 20, 2010 -Texas Republican Kay Bailey Hutchison has introduced an amendment to block the Federal Communications Commission from implementing any open internet regulations. The amendment would be added to the appropriations bill (H.R. 3082), which provides funding for the departm
Three Democratic Senators Press for Action on Network Neutrality
WASHINGTON, November 30, 2010 – Three Democratic senators on Tuesday sent a letter to the chairman of the Federal Communications Commission urging him to “guarantee network neutrality” by the end of the year.
Transparency and Application Efficiency Key To Wireless Net Neutrality Says Qualcomm Chief
Mobile phone network operators should provide incentives to application developers to increase the efficiency of their products so that wireless networks can be better managed, said Paul Jacobs, Qualcomm’s chairman and chief executive officer in an interview that aired on C-SPAN Saturday.
Content Makers Seek Protection but Waver When It Comes to Network Neutrality
WASHINGTON, October 28, 2010 – Many content makers have called upon the Federal Communications Commission to protect their ability to distribute content via the internet, yet these same content makers are reluctant to play by the same rules. Recent decisions by content makers to block some Google TV
A History of Network Neutrality
WASHINGTON, October 11, 2010 – The issue of network neutrality is one that has become an increasing problem around the globe. In the United States, the problem became more of an issue with the rise of cable and DSL service.
U.K. Urges ISPs to Divulge Traffic-Shaping Policies
LONDON, October 7, 2010 – The U.K. regulator Ofcom has shied away from enforcing network neutrality, but has urged service providers to be more transparent about their traffic shaping policies. There is also pressure for mobile service providers to stop discriminating against specific applications i
Uncertainty Over Net Neutrality Makes it the ‘Black Hole’ of Telecom Policy
WASHINGTON, September 22, 2010 – BroadbandBreakfast.com on Wednesday released the video, for free, of the first Broadband Breakfast Club event of the monthly event foum’s third season, on the issue of net neutrality and broadband regulation. The panelists at the event, “Title I, Title II: How Shoul
Hands On or Hands Off? Future of Broadband Regulation at Breakfast Club
WASHINGTON, September 20, 2010 – The Broadband Breakfast Club on Tuesday, September 21, will feature a discussion about the future of broadband, and how it is regulated. Among the panelists who will face off at the event, from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. at Clyde’s of Gallery Place, are officials from Public
Sen. Kerry Reaffirms Support for Network Neutrality
WASHINGTON, September 2, 2010 – Massachusetts Democrat Sen. John Kerry has issued a statement strongly in support of network neutrality.
Net Neutrality Independent Stakeholder Meetings Gain Momentum
WASHINGTON, September 2, 2010 – While the Federal Communications Commission stopped holding talks on the issue of network neutrality in the aftermath of the Google- Verizon policy pact, a number of stakeholders have gotten together at the Information Technology Industry Council to hold new talks.
Lawmakers Show Partisan Split on Open Internet Proposal
WASHINGTON, September 2, 2010 – The request for comments by the Federal Communications Commission on the managed services aspect on the open internet has received mixed reactions from members of Congress.
FCC Seeks Input on How to Treat Specialized Services, Mobile Broadband
WASHINGTON, September 1, 2010 – Sometimes, no matter what you do, things are complicated and you can’t please every one all the time. Welcome to the world of Federal Communications Commission Chairman Julius Genachowski who said Wednesday that his agency is seeking more public input on issues relate
Copps Takes Broadcasting, Cable and More Out to the Woodshed
WASHINGTON, August 20, 2010 – Michael Copps, a commissioner on the Federal Communications Commission, spoke in Minneapolis Thursday at a public hearing on the future of the internet, touting the important of broadband to the future of the United States and slamming the broadcasting and cable industr
Industry Resumes Net Neutrality Talks Without FCC
WASHINGTON, August 19, 2010 – Even though the Federal Communications Commission has stopped its network neutrality talks, industry groups have resumed discussions on the matter without the FCC.
House Leaders Call on FCC to Protect the Open Internet
WASHINGTON, August 16, 2010 – Democratic Representatives Edward J. Markey of Massachusetts, Anna G. Eshoo of California, Jay Inslee of Washington and Mike Doyle of Pennsylvania urged that the Federal Communications Commission weigh in to preserve an open internet. The letter, they said, is a direct
Free Press Tells Google ‘Don’t be Evil’
WASHINGTON August 12, 2010- In response to the recent Google Verizon statement on network neutrality Free Press along with others have organized a protest.
The “Don’t be Evil” rally will take place August 13th in front of the Google headquarters in Mountain View, CA.
The other major sponors of
Alaskan Senator’s Telecom Legacy Extends Beyond Fateful ‘Series of Tubes’ Comment
SAN FRANCISCO, August 11, 2010 – One of the more unfortunate pop-cultural legacies of Ted Stevens as far as telecommunications policy is concerned is his 2006 comment that the internet is like “a series of tubes.”
Google-Verizon Announcement Garners Wide Range of Reactions
WASHINGTON, August 10, 2010 – The announcement of a joint policy on network neutrality by Google and Verizon has garnered both criticism and support.
Google and Verizon Announce Joint Net Neutrality Policies
WASHINGTON, August 9, 2010- Google and Verizon have announced a joint statement of principles on network neutrality and hosted a conference call Monday to outline their effort to the press. Google CEO Eric Schmidt and Verizon CEO Ivan Seidenberg announced that this new policy calls for an open and t
Public Interest Groups Urge FCC to Protect Consumers
WASHINGTON August 9, 2010 -In an effort to promote the issue of network neutrality representatives from eight of the major public interest think tanks met with officials from the Federal Communications Commission.
Broadband Initiatives: Impact will depend on Wireless & Fixed Strategies
With the advent of continued proliferation from wireless coverage throughout the U.S., and the projected exponential growth in mobile access, adoption and affordability through LTE to 4G technology; the realities of serving less populated areas becomes increasingly more likely. The strides being mad
Markey Wants FCC to Act to Protect Consumers
WASHINGTON August 6, 2010 – Massachusetts Representative Ed Markey (D) is urging the Federal Communications Commission to enforce network neutrality.
Kerry Urges FCC to Act on Network Neutrality
WASHINGTON August 6, 2010- Senator John Kerry (D- Mass) is urging Federal Communications Commission Chairman Julius Genachowski to preserve and protect the open internet.
FCC to End Closed Door Net Neutrality Meetings
WASHINGTON August 5, 2010- The Federal Communications Commission has decided to end the current closed door meetings with stakeholders on network neutrality.
Public Interest Groups Bemoan Reported Google, Verizon Secret Network Neutrality Pact
WASHINGTON, August 5, 2010 – It has been reported that Google and Verizon are working on a secret pact about network neutrality. The New York Times says this pact will give Google products preferential treatment on the Verizon network. However both firms are claiming this is untrue. Public interest
FCC Holds Closed-Door Talks on Broadband Reclassification
WASHINGTON, August 2, 2010- The FCC continues to meet with major stakeholders as Congress begins to weigh in on broadband reclassification. Reports suggest a deal may be in the works.
Sen. Franken Sees Net Neutrality an Important First Amendment Issue
WASHINGTON, July 29, 2010 – Sen. Al Franken says that he believes “net neutrality is the First Amendment issue of our time, and the merger of Comcast and NBC is an enormous concern. ”If no one stops the Comcast and NBC merger, Franken asked: “How long do you think it will take before four or five me
Cisco’s Kevin Shatzkamer Discusses the Future of Mobile Video
Kevin Shatzkamer is the Chief Architect for Cisco Mobility and speaks to the mobile research Cisco has developed in helping Mobile Service Providers reach their ROI goals and objectives in projecting an increasingly demand driven market.
World Cup and Mobility
Q. How will current World Cup viewership demand impact the
How Should the FCC Regulate Broadband? A Roundup of ‘Third Way’ Comments
WASHINGTON July 16, 2010 – After the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals’ decision upholding Comcast’s ability to thwart broadband traffic over the peer-to-peer file-sharing software BitTorrent, the Federal Communications Commission was faced with uncertainty in regulating broadband. In order to give the
Baby’s Got Back, but Does America Got Net?
WASHINGTON, July 15, 2010 – The Open Internet Coalition is trying to bolster its cause with America’s Got Net, a user-generated video contest open to small businesses, non-profits and individuals to create short videos to tell policymakers in Washington what the future of the “open internet” means t
Chile Legally Mandates Network Neutrality and Increased Transparency for ISPs
WASHINGTON July 15, 2010- The Chilean Congress has just passed a major set of amendments to the General Telecommunications Law which not only mandates network neutrality but also requires internet service providers to give users detailed information on the speeds they offer.
Copps Concerned About Media Consolidation and Deregulation and Cites the Need for Net Neutrality
WASHINGTON, July 14, 2010- Federal Communications Commissioner Michael J. Copps fears that industry consolidation will overlook public interest and damage the country’s media landscape. Speaking at a forum concerning the Comcast/NBCU merger at Northwestern University Law School on July 13 Copps fee
Economists Rebuff Lawmakers’ Letter by Advocating for Network Neutrality
WASHINGTON, July 9, 2010 – Four economists argued in a letter to the FCC sent Wednesday that the question before the agency was “not whether to impose network neutrality, but whether to eliminate it.”
Phoenix Center Economist Drubs FCC for Unclear Policies
WASHINGTON, July 8, 2010 – A Phoenix Center economist said Thursday that no one “would really believe that [the FCC chairman’s] administration would go down in history as light touch regulators,” and that the Federal Communications Commission already had reneged on that promise.
NARUC Proposes Fourth Way
WASHINGTON July 7, 2010- National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners (NARUC) has just released a draft of its proposed resolutions for their summer meeting. The organization is proposing a fourth way of regulating broadband and would like the federal government to take a hands off appro
Non-Profits Send Letter Supporting Net Neutrality to FCC
WASHINGTON July 1, 2010 – In a show of support for network neutrality 150 groups sent a letter of support to the Federal Communications Commission. The coalition included a wide range of stakeholders from the DC based media advocacy group Free Press, to Helping Hands Pet rescue out of Florida, to Ma
National Congress of American Indians Shows Support for Network Neutrality
WASHINGTON June 30, 2010 – The National Congress of American Indians released resolution supporting network neutrality. The resolution said in part: “An engaged democracy, relies on our ability as citizens to freely access information online,” reads the resolution, “to use that information to deter
Ofcom to Investigate Network Neutrality
WASHINGTON, June 25, 2010 – Britain’s Office of Communications (Ofcom) has begun a request of information about network neutrality. The office specifically citied the Comcast case and the actions being taken by the Federal Communication Commission as a contributing factor as to why they believe they
FCC: We Will Regulate Broadband
Since the dust has settled from a stinging defeat in federal court, the FCC has decided to move on its own to settle the broadband regulation dispute.
FCC Chief of Staff Defends Closed Door Meeting with Telecom Lobbyists
WASHINGTON, June 22, 2010 –In response to the outcry by the press and consumer protection groups Federal Communications Chief of Staff Edward Lazarus has posted a comment about the closed door meeting held by the FCC with major telecom firms.
FCC Meets in Closed Door Session with Telecom Lobbyists
WASHINGTON, June 22, 2010 – The Federal Communications Commission held a closed door meeting with major stakeholders to possibly come to a deal on broadband regulation. In a move which looks to be directly opposed to the Obama administration’s promise of increased government transparency, the FCC wi
Rep. Inslee Asks FCC to Support Title II Reclassification
WASHINGTON, June 22, 2010 –Rep. Jay Inslee, who sits on the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, and the Subcommittee on Telecommunications and the Internet, sent the letter signed by Reps. Barney Frank, Donna Edwards, and John Tierney among others to FCC Chairman Julius Genachowsk urging him to
FCC Issues Notice of Inquiry Regarding Broadband Regulation and Industry Offers a Mixed Response
WASHINGTON, June 18, 2010 –Yesterday the Federal Communications Commission met to consider putting out a Notice of Inquiry on how they should regulate broadband. After the recent Comcast decision the FCC’s ability to regulate broadband was put into question. After looking at the various issues FCC’s
Telecom Industry Launches Technical Advisory Group to Solve Net Neutrality Issues
WASHINGTON, June 17, 2010 – In response to the recent Third Way announcement made by FCC Chairmen Julius Genachowski, a group of ISPs, content creators and hardware makers have joined to form a working group to discuss the issues surrounding network neutrality.
Kerry, Cantwell, Wyden and Udall Support Third Way
WASHINGTON, June 16, 2010 –Yesterday Senators Kerry (D-MA), Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Ron Wyden (D-Oreg.), and Tom Udall (D-N.M) sent a letter to the FCC in support of Chairmen Genachowski’s Third Way proposal.The senators feel that the FCC not only has the authority but the duty to the American public
AT&T Threatens to Stop Deploying U-Verse
WASHINGTON, June 16, 2010 – In response to FCC Chairmen Julius Genachowski’s Third Way proposal to institute a level of regulation on broadband AT&T has decided to “rethink” it’s spending on its high speed DSL service. AT&T’s U-Verse offers users television and internet to 24 million homes; with pla
Susan Crawford Warns Crowd at Personal Democracy Forum About the Dangers of Unregulated ISPs
WASHINGTON, June 15, 2010 – Former White House official Susan Crawford spoke at the Personal Democracy Forum June 8, enumerating to her audience that we are in the midst of a titanic battle for the future of Internet in the United States.
Experts Debate FCC Chairman’s ‘Third Way’ Proposal
WAsHINGTON, June 11, 2010 —The first panel of the Pike and Fischer Broadband Policy Summit VI was on the regulatory outlook. With the recent announcement of the FCC to reclassify broadband under the so-called “Third Way,” the business community has become wary of the actions which the Federal Commun
FCC Commissioner Baker Criticizes Chairman’s Plan
WASHINGTON, June 10, 2010 – Federal Communications Commission member Meredith Baker criticized a regulatory recommendation offered by her agency’s chairman, saying it’s draining resources from dealing with the National Broadband Plan and that it’s not a bipartisan effort.
Rep. Culberson to Block FCC Internet Regulation
WASHINGTON, June 10, 2010- Texas Republican John Culberson has submitted an amendment to the House Financial Services Appropriations which would block the FCC from regulating the internet. The amendment would prevent the FCC from spending any money on Chairmen Genachowski’s Third Way proposal. Culbe
Experts Debate Network Neutrality, BitTorrent Offers Technical Solution
WASHINGTON, June 4, 2010 – Telecommunications experts on a Thursday panel took on the prickly issue of how the Federal Communications Commission can best regulate high-speed internet access. Most panelists offered policy suggestions, but BitTorrent’s CEO offered a technical solution.
Pennsylvania Lawmaker Asks FCC to Change Policy on Broadband Internet Access
WASHINGTON, June 3, 2010 – Rep. Mike Doyle sent a letter to the chairman of the Federal Communications Commission requesting changes in regulatory policy regarding broadband internet access and asking the FCC to review and possibly update the 1996 Telecommunications Act.
FCC Announces Agenda for Open Meeting
WASHINGTON, May 28. 2010 – The FCC released a tentative agenda for its next open meeting, which is scheduled for Thursday, June 17. The FCC aims to create a framework for broadband internet service by considering several “possible legal frameworks for broadband internet services in order to promote
Genachowski to Broadband: Reduce Prices, Increase Speeds, Increase Access, Embrace Competition
Image by jdlasica via Flickr
Broadband providers are not taking the recent move by the FCC to reclassify broadband under Title II; i.e., put broadband under its regulation arm along with the likes of telephone companies, very lightly and have come out swinging to stop that effort. See (Obama’
FCC Top Lawyer Outlines Legal Framework Behind Net Neutrality Debate
WASHINGTON, May 6, 2010 – FCC General Counsel Austin Schlick on Thursday outlined the legal framework behind the narrow and tailored approach to broadband communications services that agency Chairman Julius Genachowski introduced for public discussion.
FCC Reiterates It Values An Open Internet, but Controversy Brews
WASHINGTON, May 6, 2010 – Federal Communications Commission officials peppered a press conference discussion with repeated statements that the agency does not favor regulating the Internet while explaining that the agency must take some action for the nation to receive the broadband it deserves.
FCC Chairman Unveils New Strategy to Cope with ‘Network Neutrality’
WASHINGTON, May 6, 2010 – FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski this morning announced his agency’s plan to take steps to deal with the issue of broadband regulation.
ISPs Struggle to Deliver Video Traffic While Imposing Bandwidth Caps
LONDON, May 3, 2010 – Many Internet service providers are struggling to cope with the rapid growth of video traffic while trying to put a reasonable limit on the amount of bandwidth consumers can use.
Google Exec: Incumbent Telcos Welcome On Our Gigabit Network
LAFAYETTE, La., April 22, 2010 – Incumbent communications companies are welcome to set up shop on Google’s experimental super-high speed internet service once it’s up and running, one of the company’s executives said Wednesday during a discussion about rolling out fiber networks.
Senators Grill FCC Chief Over National Broadband Plan
WASHINGTON, April 15, 2010 – The chairman of the Federal Communications Commission defended his agency and its National Broadband Plan while facing the business end of a double-barreled, bipartisan shotgun of criticism on Wednesday.
Economists Say Network Neutrality Has Its Place, But Not Now
WASHINGTON, April 13, 2009 – Although a group of economists acknowledged that regulation of internet services could benefit consumers, they’ve concluded that their analyses of current market conditions shows that network neutrality regulations would be a tremendous impediment to the nation’s growth
Open Internet Coalition Pushes FCC to Reclassify Internet Services
WASHINGTON, April 13, 2010 – The Open Internet Coalition reiterated its wish on Tuesday that the Federal Communications Commission move quickly to classify high speed Internet access services as telecommunications services to give the agency firmer footing in implementing its National Broadband Plan
Economists Say Network Neutrality Regulation Would Harm Consumers
WASHINGTON, April 12, 2010 – A group of well-known economists has determined that the Federal Communications Commission’s proposed network neutrality regulations would harm consumer welfare.
Telecom Industry Players Pleased with D.C. Circuit Court Ruling for Comcast
WASHINGTON, April 12, 2010 – Players in the telecommunications industry were elated last Tuesday as the Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit invalidated the Federal Communications Commission’s authority to regulate broadband service under the principles promulgated in the Commission’s Internet P
The Bottom Line: Court Decision on Comcast Vs FCC
The implications of the United States Court of Appeals decision to vacate FCC order in Comcast appeal.
FCC Soldiers On With Broad Agenda after Court Ruling Curbs Authority
WASHINGTON, April 9, 2010 – Aiming to stem a rising swell of concern over a recent court decision curbing the Federal Communications Commission’s regulatory authority, the agency has released an ambitious agenda for implementing key recommendations of its National Broadband Plan.
End of Net Neutrality? The Real Battle is Just Beginning
Given that the Washington D.C. Court of Appeals today smacked down [http://pacer.cadc.uscourts.gov/common/opinions/201004/08-1291-1238302.pdf] the FCC’s ham-handed attempt to impose net neutrality rules on Comcast from a couple years ago, it’s no surprise that many folks are proclaiming this to be t
Appeals Court Deals Network Neutrality Blow to FCC
WASHINGTON, April 6, 2010 – A federal appeals court ruled Tuesday that the Federal Communications Commission does not have the power to mandate that broadband provider Comcast must give equal treatment to Internet traffic streaming through its networks. Interested parties in the broadband community
Tech Liberation: The April Fools’ Headlines You Didn’t See
We heard about Google renaming itself ‘Topeka.’ But Technology Liberation Front shares some other “headlines” from yesterday. Read the post here [http://techliberation.com/2010/04/01/best-tech-related-april-fools-headlines-you-wont-see-today].
FCC Launches Consumer Tool to Test Broadband Connections
WASHINGTON, March 11, 2010 – The FCC launched its consumer broadband test [http://www.broadband.gov/] today, enabling consumers to test the speed and other performance measurements of their broadband connections.
Panel Tackles Prickly Issue of FCC Regulation
WASHINGTON, March 9, 2010 – Public Knowledge, Silicon Flatirons and the Information Technology and Innovation Foundation last week sponsored a half-day conference to discuss the Federal Communications Commission and its efforts in reform, regulatory responsibility and standard setting. The second pa
Experts Review Reform and Standards at the FCC
WASHINGTON, March 8, 2010 – Panelists from the Federal Communications Commission, Capitol Hill, public interest groups and the private sector addressed issues of FCC reform and regulatory responsibility at “An FCC for the Internet Age: Reform and Standard-Setting, a half-day conference sponsored by
Google: Marrying Advocacy with Initiative
Google’s entrance into the Broadband ISP arena may have lasting effects within the ISP community.
Google Shakes Up Broadband Landscape With Fiber Build Initiative
WASHINGTON, February 10, 2010 – Google shook up the broadband world on Wednesday with the announcement, on its blog, that it plans to offer super-fast broadband, at speeds of up to 1 Gigabit per second, to up to 500,000 homes. Google framed its entrance into the marketplace to deploy fiber-optic se
FCC Wrestles With Depth, Breadth of Net Neutrality Comments
WASHINGTON, February 8, 2010 – The Federal Communications Commission has received thousands of comments both lauding and criticizing its proposed plan to address the controversial issue of network neutrality.
Three Minority Business Groups Criticize Net Neutrality Rules
WASHINGTON, February 2, 2010 – Three minority business groups came together on Tuesday to criticize proposed network neutrality regulations, and discussed their joint filing on the subject at the Federal Communications Commission. Harry Alford, president of the National Black Chamber of Commerce, J
President Obama Reinforces His Belief in Net Neutrality
WASHINGTON February 1, 2010 – As a follow-up to President Obama’s State of the Union Speech last week, Obama sat down with YouTube’s news and political director Steve Grove to answer questions submitted and voted on by users of YouTube, which is owned by Google. The total number of votes cast were 7
McDowell Warns Against Regulation of Broadband as Telecommunications Service
WASHINGTON, January 29, 2010 – In his keynote address to the Free State Foundation on Friday, Federal Communications Commissioner Robert McDowell said that the agency’s number one goal in the national broadband plan should be to do no harm. He was concerned, he said, that the agency was considering
Rep. Edwards Urges Peers to Sign Net Neutrality Petition
WASHINGTON, January 28, 2010 – Democratic Rep. Donna Edwards of Maryland sent a letter to her colleagues on Wednesday urging them to sign a petition supporting the principles of network neutrality.
BroadbandBreakfast.com Releases Free Webcast on ‘Net Neutrality, Copyright Protection and the National Broadband Plan’
WASHINGTON, January 27, 2010 – Broadband Census News LLC on Wednesday released, for FREE, the full-length video of the BroadbandBreakfast.com event on January 19, 2010: The Town Hall Webcast on the topic of “Net Neutrality, Copyright Protection and the National Broadband Plan.” The event, moderat
FCC Net Neutrality Workshop Examines Importance of Transparency
WASHINGTON, January 21, 2010 – The Federal Communications Commission in a Tuesday workshop explored consumer choice, user control of their online experience and the importance of transparency. The agency’s fourth Open Internet Workshop on Consumers, Transparency and the Open Internet focused on the
Zucker, Roberts to Testify Before Senate Antitrust Panel on Comcast-NBC Deal
WASHINGTON, January 20, 2010 – The Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Antitrust, Competition Policy and Consumer Rights will convene a hearing on February 4 to examine the proposed merger of Comcast with NBC Universal and its potential for negative consequences for consumers and competition, Chairman
Panelists Debate Copyrights, Open Internet in U.S. Broadband Plan
WASHINGTON, January 19, 2010 – Communication and intellectual property experts debated whether a national broadband plan is the right vehicle for addressing copyright and network neutrality issues and whether the FCC is overstepping its bounds by dabbling with copyright issues. Public Knowledge Pre
Net Neutrality Comments: Verizon Says Net Neutrality Rules Unnecessary, Unconstitutional
WASHINGTON, January 18, 2010 – Verizon Communications’s net neutrality filling is unique in that the telecom giant is one of the only companies which provides broadband service via high-speed fiber optic cables and copper digital subscriber lines, plus wireless broadband via third-generation and fou
Last Chance to Register for National Town Hall on ‘Net Neutrality, Copyright and National Broadband Plan’
WASHINGTON, January 18, 2010 – Monday is the last day to register to attend BroadbandBreakfast.com’s Town Hall Webcast on “Net Neutrality, Copyright Protection and the National Broadband Plan,” which takes place tomorrow, or on Tuesday, January 19, 2010, from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. Register at http://ipb
The Cable Pipeline Opinion: Net Neutrality’s Conundrum
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Through continued research of the Net Neutrality debate, distinct realizations come to mind for Regulators’, Consumers, and Network Providers alike in pondering the heated discussions around whether either regulation, or a (hands-off) approach, are sufficient to allow unfettered and equal access, including clear competition, and that all
Net Neutrality Comments: Amazon.com Believes That Only Consumers Should Prioritize Internet Traffic
WASHINGTON, January 15, 2010 – Amazon.com is another supporter of network neutrality, and has historically urged the FCC to support this principle.
Net Neutrality Comments: Electronic Frontier Foundation Wants Open Market
WASHINGTON, January 15, 2010 – The Electronic Frontier Foundation is, unsurprisingly, in support of Net neutrality rules. They feel that if given the chance, internet service providers will act as content discriminators.
Net Neutrality Comments: MPAA Wants Net Neutrality with Copyright Cops
WASHINGTON, January 15, 2010 – The Motion Picture Association of America appears to favor a form of Net neutrality with internet service providers deputized as copyright cops enforcers.
Net Neutrality Comments: Skype Supports Open Internet Rules
WASHINGTON, January 15, 2010 – Skype is in support of net neutrality and wants the Federal Communications Commission to implement the open intenet rules. They are in the unique position of having their service directly affected by internet service providers that infringe on the rights of their custo
Google, Verizon Laud FCC Principles, But See No Role for Agency in Internet’s Future
WASHINGTON, January 15, 2010 – Verizon and Google submitted a rare joint filing to the FCC on Thursday. The two communications giants praised the agency for its principles while stinging it by saying that communications laws and regulations should not apply to Internet applications, content, or serv
FCC Inundated With Network Neutrality Filings From Wide Range of Groups
WASHINGTON, January 15, 2010 – The Federal Communications Commission was inundated this week with a new slew of comments on its proposed plan to ensure an open internet through network neutrality regulation. Players like the Minority Media and Telecommunications Council weighed in on the Internet’s
FCC’s Open Internet Workshop at MIT Brought Robust Exchange Among Academics
BOSTON, Mass., January 15, 2010 – Academics, economics, technology specialists, application creators, internet service operators and investors descended on the campus of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology on Wednesday to discuss the possible effects of the proposed net neutrality rules on inn
New Study Suggests Benefits for Net Neutrality Policies
WASHINGTON, January 14, 2010 – Internet service providers and content providers are at a disadvantage since they are not compensated for all of the information they disseminate, and that leads to systematic underinvestment in the Internet, posits a new paper (PDF) [http://policyintegrity.org/documen
FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski to Speak at BroadbandBreakfast.com’s National Town Hall Webcast
WASHINGTON, January 11, 2010 – The issues of copyright, Net neutrality and the national broadband plan will collide at BroadbandBreakfast.com’s National Town Hall Webcast on Tuesday, January 19, 2010.
Federal Communications Commission Chairman Julius Genachowski has confirmed that he will offer video remarks to kick off the Town Hall
Comcast vs. FCC: Implications in throttling BitTorrent
Comcast is appealing a ruling before a three-judge appeals court panel concerning the FCC’s sanctions in 2008 of the operator, and whether it has jurisdiction under current Net Neutrality rules to do so, for what has become known throughout the media as past throttling of BitTorrent. See FCC formall
FCC Commissioner Robert McDowell on C-SPAN’s ‘Communicators’
WASHINGTON, January 8, 2010 – With about a month left until the Federal Communications Commission delivers its National Broadband Plan to Congress, Commissioner Robert McDowell spoke about the impending plan – as well as spectrum politics, Net neutrality and competition in the video media landscape
The Hill’s Kim Hart to Co-Moderate ‘Net Neutrality, Copyright Protection and National Broadband Plan’ Town Hall
Kim Hart, a reporter for The Hill covering technology-related subjects, will join with Drew Clark to co-moderate BroadbandBreakfast.com’s upcoming National Town Hall Webcast, on “Net Neutrality, Copyright Protection and the National Broadband Plan,” on Tuesday, January 19, 2010, from 8 a.m. to 11 a.
BroadbandBreakfast.com to Host National Town Hall on Net Neutrality, Copyright Protection and the National Broadband Plan
WASHINGTON, December 31, 2009 – BroadbandBreakfast.com, the news service devoted to broadband stimulus, wireless broadband, the national broadband plan, and more, is hosting a special National Town Hall Webcast on the subject of “Net Neutrality, Copyright Protection and the National Broadband Plan”
NYU Law School Sponsored Group Pushes Net Neutrality Rules
WASHINGTON, December 29, 2009 – A New York University School of Law advocacy organization is heavily pushing proposed rules that would regulate internet access to support so-called Net neutrality principles.
Broadband Expert Q&A: Andrew Schwartzman Address Net Neutrality, BitTorrent Litigation
WASHINGTON, December 29, 2009 – Andrew Schwartzman, president and CEO of the Media Access Project, expects the Federal Communications Commission will issue rules to regulate internet access to support Net neutrality or open internet principles by the end of the third quarter of 2010.
Net Neutrality’s Increasingly Complex Debate
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At issue, the language the FCC crafted in its proposed rule making, specifically FCC NPRM Paragraph 106 as implicated by Digital Society. (see FCC NPRM prohibits good network management)
“We understand the term (nondiscriminatory) to mean that a broadband Internet access service provider may not charge a
Web Content Producers Favor Net Neutrality, Reject Regulation of Search Engines
WASHINGTON, December 16, 2009 – Web content producers applauded the efforts of the Federal Communications Commission to turn Net neutrality principles into enforceable rules – but lawyers, academics and commissioners were divided on whether the agency should begin regulating the internet in the name
AT&T Takes New Neutrality Approach In Letter To FCC
WASHINGTON, December 15, 2009 – AT&T attempted to set the tone of compromise regarding proposed rules to regulate internet access to support so-called Net neutrality principles in a letter it sent Tuesday to the Federal Communications Commission.
Wireless Industry Official, Consumer Advocate Face Off On Net Neutrality
WASHINGTON, December 15, 2009 – A representative from a wireless industry focused trade association and a co-founder of a consumer advocate group faced off Tuesday on the heated topic about whether the Federal Communications Commission should regulate Internet access to support Net neutrality or ope
Memphis Citizens Embrace Broadband as They Question Government Involvement
December 15, 2009 – The value of universal access to broadband was discussed at an occasionally tense Federal Communications Commission field hearing in Memphis on Monday night. The hearing was intended to focus on whether broadband services are being deployed in a way that allows all Americans to b
State Press: Malaysia Favors Net Neutrality Principles
December 14, 2009 – Malaysia’s national news agency reported Monday that the country’s government is committed to Net neutrality principles and plans to continue to take steps to ensure internet service providers do not restrict a user’s access to content or ability to use various applications.
NCTA’s McSlarrow Speech: Mirrors Self-Serving Control of Pipelines
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Kyle McSlarrow’s recent speech to The Media Institute mirrors a self-serving approach to control the pipelines, guised as a First Amendment right for ISP’s. The point Mr. McSlarrow is trying to make shakes the Freedom of Speech right for every citizen to the core. How
Education and Entertainment Seen as Essential to Minority Adoption
WASHINGTON, December 11, 2009 – In order to provide universal broadband, national policymakers will need to better understand and motivate under-indexed minority groups. That was the message at the Internet Innovation Alliance’s ‘Universal Broadband: Access for All Americans’ conference on Thursday.
Net Neutrality and Quality of Services Divisive Topics at FCC Workshop
WASHINGTON, December 9, 2009 – The importance of quality of service and the divisive effect of Net neutrality rules were key topics at the Federal Communication Commission’s Technical Advisory Process Workshop on Tuesday. “The fundamental issue,” said Paul Sanchirico of Cisco Systems, “is ‘is my be
Cable Industry: Proposed Net Neutrality Rules Threaten First Amendment
WASHINGTON, December 9, 2009 – A cable industry leader made the case Wednesday that proposed government rules to regulate internet access in support of so-called Net neutrality or open internet principles are not only unnecessary but would threaten First Amendment rights. “Net neutrality rules have
Content Groups Link Copyright Infringement to Net Neutrality Rules
December 8, 2009 – The Songwriters Guild of America is the latest intellectual property-focused group weighing into the debate about whether the government should take steps to regulate internet access to support so-called Net neutrality principles. The group claims [http://www.songwritersguild.com/
Senators Will Scrutinize Comcast-NBC Deal After Health Care and Climate Change
WASHINGTON, December 8, 2009 – Legislation dealing with the health care system and the upcoming climate change summit in Copenhagen are only providing executives at Comcast and NBC-Universal a brief respite from oversight on their proposed merger, senators said on Tuesday.
A Common Sense Approach to Net Neutrality
There are two compelling sides to the Net Neutrality issue before the Federal Communications Commission that can be solved by cutting through the rhetoric and making a few common sense and objective decisions about what is at the crux of the problem. First, Internet Service Providers are at the cen
Comcast Launches Data Usage Meter To Address ‘Excessive Use’
WASHINGTON, December 2, 2009 – Comcast announced Tuesday the pilot market launch of a data usage meter [http://blog.comcast.com/2009/12/comcast-data-usage-meter-launches.html] the company plans to soon roll out nationally. The meter is meant to help make customers aware of how much data they consum
Former Googler in Obama Administration at Cross-Hairs of Net Neutrality Debate
WASHINGTON, November 25, 2009 – The rhetoric surrounding whether the Federal Communications Commission should move forward with rules to regulate internet access to support the principle of network neutrality took on new legs this week when a government official – a former top policy official at Goo
Why the FCC should look at Robust Broadband Competition as the Final Answer
It goes without saying that the FCC has a daunting task of rule making when it comes to filling the needs of Broadband Access for Americans in 2010. Therefore it comes to mind, when the Federal Agency is through taking comments on Net Neutrality, The Universal Service Fund, Broadband Adoption, Broad
Genachowski: Broadband is the ‘Platform’ for All Forms of Communication
WASHINGTON, November 23, 2009 – In an interview for C-SPAN’s “The Communicators” series, Federal Communications Commission Chairman Julius Genachowski spoke of the national broadband plan that is currently being put together, as well as the short term progress that has happened in relation to broadb
Speakers Want Open Internet Access Around The World
WASHINGTON, November 22, 2009 – Speakers at a telecommunications law conference held last week touched on the importance of having unfiltered access to the Internet around the world. “The freedom of speech implies a freedom of access,” said Jeremie Zimmermann, co-founder of La Quadrature Du Net. “T
Advocates and Critics of Net Neutrality Continue to Press Cases
The New York City Council should pass a resolution that favor of strong network neutrality regulations, the advocacy group Public Knowledge said in a statement [http://www.publicknowledge.org/node/2775] at a Friday’s hearing in New York City.
Minority Journalist Group Wants Net Neutrality Rules
A group representing journalists of color has come out in support of the concept of network neutrality. The Federal Communications Commission is currently considering proposed rules to regulate Internet access in an attempt to keep the Internet more open and support so-called Net neutrality principl
Open Access Rules Touted as Prescription For Low U.S. Broadband Rank
WASHINGTON, November 19, 2009 – The United States has lost a lot of ground concerning internet expansion, adoption and affordability – ranking below the United Kingdom, France, Germany and Korea – according to experts at a telecom conference on Thursday. Additionally, said Debra Lathen, board membe
Broadband Census Launches BroadbandBreakfast.com for News; Keeps BroadbandCensus.com For Public and Transparent Data Collection
WASHINGTON, November 19, 2009 – Today, Broadband Census News launches BroadbandBreakfast.com, a new daily web site with definitive and independent news on broadband stimulus funding, wireless internet, and the national broadband plan. This new domain, BroadbandBreakfast.com [https://broadbandbreakf
Summit Speakers Want More Broadband Access For Minorities, Criticize Net Neutrality
WASHINGTON, November 18, 2009 – The opening speaker of a summit focused on improving broadband penetration to minority and low-income areas of the country, and criticized advocates of Net neutrality for being out of touch with the needs of minorities, as he attempted to enlist the mantle civil right
Empiris Joins Multitude of Industry Groups in Anti-Berkman Chorus
WASHINGTON, November 17, 2009 – The consulting firm Empiris LLC joined a host of cable and phone broadband network related entities on Tuesday when it slammed a recent study from Harvard University’s Berkman Center for Internet and Society on broadband policy. In July the Federal Communications Com
Obama Talks Open Internet, and Twitter and Google, In China
November 16, 2009 – Speaking in a country known for its internet censorship policies and heavy-handed government involvement in communications technologies, President Obama repeatedly took the time to voice his support for an “open internet” in Shanghai on Monday. “So I’m a big supporter of not res
New York City Council To Consider FCC’s Net Neutrality Rules
The New York City Council Committee on Technology in Government plans to hold a public hearing to consider the Federal Communications Commission’s proposed rules to regulate Internet access. The hearing will examine so-called Net Neutrality or open Internet principles and whether they “would effectively obtain the goal of maintaining
European Union Takes Its Own Open Internet Stance
WASHINGTON, November 6, 2009 – While the U.S. takes steps to make so-called Network Neutrality principles mandatory under official rules, the European Union moved forward [http://europa.eu/rapid/pressReleasesAction.do?reference=MEMO/09/491&format=HTML&aged=0&language=EN&guiLanguage=en] this week wit
Net Neutrality Advocacy Video Released Seeks to Touch Hearts (and Minds)
A video posted last month [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dFUm1PRxJOQ] on YouTube from Jesse Dylon of FreeForm in support of Net neutrality wants to touch your heart and has the music and images to boot. “This is a video we made about free and open web access. An Open Internet should be a right for
'Net May Protect Economy From Swine Flu, GAO Finds
WASHINGTON, November 3, 2009 – The Internet could provide vital links between people and institutions to keep government running and businesses operating during an outbreak of H1N1 influenza, said a report released in October by the Government Accountability Office.
Q&A With Stephen Liu, Architect of Cisco System's 'MyPlanNet' Broadband Computer Game
WASHINGTON, November 2, 2009 – Stephen Liu, the designer and architect of Cisco System’s myPlanNet, and a senior marketing manager at Cisco, discussed the company’s new computer game that puts the common man in the shoes of the broadband executive. Edited excerpt of his interview with Winter Casey,
Cisco Launches Broadband Game, Puts Everyman in Shoes of Telecom Execs
WASHINGTON, November 2, 2009 – Cisco Systems has released a new computer game that puts the common man in the shoes of broadband executive making deployment decisions. The company’s myPlanNet game attempts to make broadband deployment easy to understand – and perhaps forces broadband activists to wa
Tennessee Rep. Marsha Blackburn Files Latest Anti-Net Neutrality Bill
WASHINGTON, October 31, 2009 – This week Rep. Marsha Blackburn, R-Tenn., added to the growing number of network neutrality-related bills when she filed legislation that would ban the Federal Communications Commission from regulating internet access, as proposed last week by Chairman Julius Genachows
Microsoft, Yahoo Weigh In On FCC’s Proposed 'Open Internet' Rules
WASHINGTON, October 29, 2009 – Microsoft and Yahoo on Thursday gingerly weighed into the Federal Communications Commission’s proposed rules governing internet access – otherwise known as “Net neutrality” – that were announced last week.
The two companies offered up, to BroadbandCensus.com, carefully crafted comments splitting the difference between the hardening battle
Google to FCC: Less Than 100 Phone Sex Numbers Blocked
WASHINGTON, October 28, 2009 – Google told the Federal Communications Commission Wednesday that its Google Voice service currently is restricting calls to fewer than 100 specific phone numbers that it believes are involved in the business of adult sex chats. Google provided a detailed response Wedne
FCC Dives Into Web 2.0 Applications, Tools to Plug Free and Open Intenet
The FCC has established the OpenInternet.gov web site as a portal for public participation in the discussion about preserving the free and open Internet, introducing collaborative tools Web 2.0 applications. Among the links included on the site is one to Idealscale at http://openinternet.ideascale.c
GoodBye Network Neutrality, Welcome Open Internet!
WASHINGTON, October 26, 2009 – Absent from the notice of proposed rulemaking released by the Federal Communications Commission Thursday is the charged term of “network neutrality” that has been discussed over the years. Instead, the paper is focused on the need to preserve an “open internet” through
Sen. McCain Introduces Legislation to Kill Proposed FCC Net Neutrality Rules
Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., on Thursday introduced legislation prohibiting the Federal Communications Commission from implementing the Network neutrality rules that it kicked off on Thursday. The two-page bill is a naked prohibition upon the FCC: the agency “shall not propose, promulgate, or issue an
FCC Takes First Step to Formally Regulate the Internet Through Proposed Neutrality Rules
WASHINGTON, October 22, 2009 – The Federal Communications Commission on Thursday approved controversial proposed rules governing internet access during its monthly public meeting. Commissioners on all sides of the debate stressed the importance of having an open internet, and in engaging in construc
FCC Net Neutrality Efforts Spark Interest Group Mania
WASHINGTON, October 21, 2009 – As the Federal Communications Commission nears the monthly meeting slated for Thursday to consider new regulations regarding Net neutrality, e-mail boxes across Washington are being flooded by all manner of interest groups staking their claim over neutrality and freedo
Net Neutrality Critics, Advocates Gear Up for FCC Rumble on Thursday
As the Federal Communications Commission prepares to tackle the issue of Network neutrality at its October 22 meeting, major telecommunications carriers have all been sending letters to the FCC and newspapers in an effort to influence the agency actions. AT&T top lobbyists Jim Cicconi, Senior Execut
Wireless World Betokens Further Challenges and Opportunities for Broadband
WASHINGTON, October 19, 2009 – In a year that has been described as transformational and phenomenal for the telecommunications industry, any attempts at regulating the Internet may turn back the good that the industry has enjoyed, and may slow down efforts at innovation, said panelists speaking at a
Are We Ready to Regulate?
The Information Technology and Innovation Foundation, a Washington-based group calling itself a “non-partisan public policy think tank committed to articulating and advancing a pro-productivity, pro-innovation and pro-technology public policy agenda,” has released a “WebMemo” asking “Are We Ready to
Blue Dog Dems Hedge Bets on Net Neutrality
In a possible rebuke to President Obama and his new FCC chairman, Seventy-two House Democrats signed on to a letter sent Friday to the five members of the Federal Communications Commission asking them to reconsider a proposal to adopt “network neutrality” rules.
Washington Technorati Toast Public Knowledge and Its IP3 Awards
Public Knowledge’s sixth annual “IP3 Awards” – which celebrates information policy, intellectual property, and internet protocol – drew a crowd of Washington’s technorati to the Sewell-Belmont House in Washington on Thursday evening.
Rocking the House at Future of Music with Comedy, the FCC and Net Neutrality
WASHINGTON, October 14, 2009 – Net neutrality emerged as a major theme at the Future of Music Coalition conference last week at Georgetown University here, with speeches on the subject by Federal Communications Commission Chairman Julius Genachowski and Senator Al Franken, D-Minn., who described the
Consumers Union Writes Letter to Members of Congress Urging Net Neutrality
The non-profit advocacy group Consumers Union on Wednesday issued a letter to members of Congress commending the Federal Communications Commission for its efforts to enact stricter Net Neutrality rules. The letter said that the Internet has been governed by principles of openness and consumer choice
Net Neutrality Advocates Exult Over FCC's 'Arm-Twisting' of AT&T
Net neutrality fans on Wednesay praised the decision by AT&T to reverse course and allow customers to use broadband voice services on the service plans they have that use the Apple iPhone. The decision followed a Federal Communications Commission investigation into the practices of wireless broadban
Free State Foundation Legal Thinkers Criticize Net Neutrality
The Free State Foundation on Tuesday released a new book entitled “New Directions in Communications Policy,” which is critical of arguments for Net neutrality. The book is based upon a panel discussion on the national broadband plan, broadband stimulus funding, and Net neutrality, or the requirement
FCC Chairman Genachowski Touts Net Neutrality's Power to Musicians
Federal Communications Commission Chairman Julius Genachowski brought his rallying cry for Net Neutrality to the Future of Music Conference in Washington today. Noting the musicians that have supported this cause – from Bruce Springsteen to R.E.M. and Pearl Jam – Genachowski said, “With a free and o
Public Knowledge's Gigi Sohn Scolds House Republicans on Net Neutrality
On Monday afternoon Gigi Sohn, president of Public Knowledge, responded to the comments made by the Republicans on the House Energy and Commerce Committee and urged the Federal Communications Commission to continue to press for Net neutrality rules.
FCC to Air Out Net Neutrality at October Meeting
The Federal Communications Commission is taking an aggressive posture with its approach to Network Neutrality, releasing the “tentative agenda” for its next full commission meeting that highlights a single item: “ Open Internet: A Notice of Proposed Rulemaking on policies to preserve the free and op
Google Stands Accused (by AT&T)
Google has been accused by AT&T of violating the U.S. Federal Communications Commission’s net neutrality rules for blocking Google Voice calls to some rural areas. In a letter to the FCC, AT&T urged the Commission to level the playing field and order Google to play by the same Internet Policy rules
Not Everyone is Neutral on Neutrality
The Federal Communication Commission’s proposed net neutrality rules could hamper innovation on the Web, said David Farber, as guest on a panel held Friday at the Information Technology & Innovation Foundation. Farber is a professor of computer science and policy at Carnegie Mellon University and a
Panelists Consider Pros and Cons of Alternatives to Internet's Transport Protocol
ARLINGTON, Va., September 26, 2009 – Whether internet service providers will accelerate early efforts to prioritize bandwidth, and what impact such measure might have upon the open internet, were actively discussed by panelists at the Telecommunications Policy Research Conference here.
Commentary: Rights of Providers Shouldn't Outweigh Rights of Users
WASHINGTON, September 23, 2009 – Federal Communications Commission Chairman Julius Genachowski’s announcement of his intention to codify the commission’s 2005 Internet Policy Statement into actual, enforceable federal regulations using a valid legal process drew expected reactions from the usual par
Genachowski Speech Draws Praise, Scorn from Industry and Congress
WASHINGTON, September 22, 2009 – Network neutrality principles outlined by Federal Communications Commission Chairman Julius Genachowski on Monday found industry groups and Congress drawing strong lines in reaction to his proposal.
FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski Calls for Network Neutrality and Transparency Rules
WASHINGTON, September 21, 2009 – The Federal Communications Commission must be a “smart cop on the beat” to preserve a free and open internet, Chairman Julius Genachowski said Monday during a speech at the Brookings Institution.
Week Ahead: A New Sheriff in Town
WASHINGTON, August 31, 2009 – The broadband policy center of gravity is beginning to shift from northwest to the southwest – or at least from NW Washington, where the Commerce Department and its National Telecommunications and Information Administration is based, to SW Washington, at the Federal Com
Regulations May Be Necessary to Ensure Competitive Broadband, Say Experts
WASHINGTON, July 13, 2009 – A group of academic and industry representatives agreed Monday that some government regulation will be necessary to ensure a robust and competitive broadband market and continued innovation. The group spoke during a panel discussion sponsored by the Technology Policy Inst
Convergence, Innovation Push Boundaries of Network Neutrality Debate, Experts Agree
ARLINGTON, Va., June 19, 2009 – Representatives of network operators, internet companies and consumer advocates said they are prepared for a network neutrality policy to emerge from the Obama administration, but during a panel at Pike and Fischer’s Broadband Policy Summit they remained very much div
Boucher 'Has Some Ideas' on Stimulus Definitions, Looks to Genachowski to Lead on National Plan
ARLINGTON, Va., June 18, 2009 – House Energy and Commerce Communications Subcommittee Chairman Rick Boucher, D-Va., has no plans to influence the Federal Communications Commission’s development of a national broadband plan. But speaking Thursday morning at the Pike and Fischer Broadband Policy Summi
Freshman Representative Pushes Broadband Cap Ban
WASHINGTON, June 18, 2009 – Time Warner Cable found itself clashing with a member of Congress from its home state on Wednesday as Rep. Eric Massa, D-N.Y., introduced the Broadband Internet Fairness Act, H.R. 2902. If passed, the bill would authorize the Federal Trade Commission to review the fairnes
Deep Packet Inspection Here to Stay, Say Computers, Freedom and Privacy Conference Experts
WASHINGTON, June 4, 2009 – The problems with so-called “deep packet inspection” are too big to ignore, a panel of broadband experts said on the third and final day of the Computers, Freedom and Privacy conference at George Washington University here.
Tech Policy, Broadband Still at Top of Obama's List, Says Crawford
WASHINGTON, June 2, 2009 – Just 133 days into the Obama administration, technology policy and broadband deployment are issues “at the heart of this administration’s plans for the future,” special assistant to the president for science, technology and innovation policy Susan Crawford said Tuesday dur
Time Warner Changes to Terms of Service Could Allow Metering, Tiers
WASHINGTON, June 1, 2009 – Consumer advocacy groups are gearing up for another fight with Time Warner Cable after the internet provider quietly updated its terms of service with language that critics have pounced on as a harbinger of future metering and usage caps.
White House Aide Says Broadband Is and Remains Obama Priority
WASHINGTON, May 14, 2009 – One of President Obama’s top technology and economic policy officials said Thursday that broadband infrastructure is and must remain a key priority of the Obama administration.
Congress to Reexamine Consumer Privacy on Broadband Networks
WASHINGTON, April 23, 2009 – Congressional scrutiny of consumer privacy on broadband networks, especially uses of so-called “deep packet inspection” technology, ramped up Thursday as industry representatives and consumer advocates testified before the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Commun
Broadband Competition on Senate Antitrust Subcommittee Agenda
WASHINGTON, March 25, 2009 – Senate Antitrust Subcommittee Chairman Herb Kohl, D-Wis., and tanking member Sen. Orrin Hatch, R-Utah, announced that broadband internet competition would be among the major subjects on the agenda for the Senate Judiciary Antitrust Subcommittee this Congress.
In Possible Network Neutrality Prelude, DeMint to Demand 'Up or Down' Vote on Fairness Doctrine
WASHINGTON, February 20, 2009 – In what could potentially be an opening salvo in a renewed congressional battle over network neutrality, Sen. Jim DeMint, R-S.C., wants to use a parliamentary tactic to force his Democratic colleagues to vote on whether the Federal Communications Commission should be
Critics Call Broadband Program 'Rushed,' Decry Open Access Requirements in Stimulus Bill as Vote Nears
WASHINGTON, February 12, 2009 – House Republicans and conservative watchdog groups met at the National Press Club Thursday morning to air their grievances about the economic stimulus bill that they predicted would be wasteful and ineffective at jump-starting an economic recovery.
Wall Street Journal on 'DIY' Network and Speed Tests
WASHINGTON, January 19, 2009 – The Wall Street Journal gave a little attention to a do-it-yourself network test, the “Switzerland” software suite of the Electronic Frontier Foundation. I offered a comment and a link to the Broadband Census and speed test.
Net Neutrality Advocates: Wireless Carriers' Network Management Must be 'Reasonable'
SAN JOSE, November 7 – Emboldened by their summertime victory against Comcast, advocates of network neutrality said Thursday that the next front in battle for the principle would be against wireless carriers who make “unreasonable” network management decisions.
Craigslist Founder Says Congress and Business Must Act Like 'Community Organizers'
WASHINGTON, October 3 – The Internet should play a greater role in lawmakers’ interactions with citizens and foster a “networked grassroots democracy,” Craigslist founder Craig Newmark said Friday, speaking at Google’s Washington office.
Aspen Dispatch: Next Generation Policy Outlook
ASPEN, COLORADO, August 19 – Federal Communications Commissioner Robert McDowell and a panel of experts from the communications technologies industry addressed crucial issues arising for operators and users of next generation networks today at the Aspen Summit, hosted by the Progress and Freedom Fou
FCC Commissioner Robert McDowell Addresses Broadband Issues at Heritage Foundation
WASHINGTON, August 12 – At the Heritage Foundation, Republican Federal Communications Commissioner Robert McDowell presented an overview of the FCC’s recent work concerning broadband internet services, including network management, cable franchising, spectrum auctions and management, deregulation of
FCC Hammers Comcast For Deception and Unreasonable Internet Practices
WASHINGTON, August 1 – The Federal Communication Commission’s enforcement action against Comcast can be seen either as a limited response to a company’s deceptive practices, or a sweeping new venture by the agency into regulating internet policy.
FCC's 'Findings' in Order Against Comcast's Network Management Practices
WASHINGTON, August 1 – The following are the six “findings” of which the Federal Communications Commission found Comcast guilty. As is standard practice for the agency, no written document encapsulating these charges was publicly released.
Combatants in Net Neutrality Fight Take Aim at Each Other, FCC Chief and Comcast
WASHINGTON, July 31 – Combatants on the subject of Net Neutrality debate took aim at each other on Thursday, with House Minority Leader John Boehner blasting FCC Chairman Kevin Martin in advance of a Federal Communications Commission meeting on Friday.
Democratic Party Debate Over Net Neutrality Over, Advocates Declare
WASHINGTON, July 29 – In lining up the support of all major Democratic challengers running for Senate this fall, advocates for Net Neutrality said that this complicated issue of telecom politics has now become a partisan issue in November’s general election.
OECD Broadband Ranking System Needs Restructuring, Says Think Tank
WASHINGTON, July 29 – Basing telecommunications policy around the faulty ranking system of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development would lead to an “ill-defined national broadband strategy,” officials from the Phoenix Center think tank said Monday.
Addressing Anti-Competitive Behavior on the Internet
NEW YORK, June 23 – In an effort to address the anti-competitive behavior that impacts various aspects of the Internet and technologies markets, as well as their vital markets for ideas, the Personal Democracy Forum brought together panelists representing the “little-guy” innovators of the technolog
Will Bandwidth Demands 'Break' the Internet? Yea or Nay, We Need Independent Monitoring
June 22 – Whether or not new bandwidth demands on the Internet cause carriers to offer tiered pricing or to throttle particular applications or protocols, independent monitoring will be crucial.
U.S. Technology Could Thwart Chinese Internet Censorship
June 18 – Technologies exist that allow Chinese internet users to evade government censorship, but their deployment is being thwarted by American companies based in China, panelists said Wednesday at a hearing of the United States-China Economic and Security Review Commission.
Comcast-BitTorrent, Wireless Net Neutrality Issues Stir Debate at Broadband Policy Summit
June 14 – Critics and proponents of Network Neutrality squaring off on the topic on Friday agreed that recent actions by both cable and wireless providers had had re-vivified the debate about the topic.
Rep. Cliff Sterns Decries Net Neutrality Rules
June 12 – Rep. Cliff Stearns, R-Fla., decried the move to impose Network Neutrality on broadband carriers, speaking at a keynote luncheon address at the Broadband Policy Summit IV here.
Commissioner Copps: National Broadband Strategy Gaining Steam
Federal Communications Commissioner Michael Copps said Thursday that the issue of a national broadband strategy is beginning to take on a life of its own in the presidential contest and in Congress.
Net Neutrality Disagreement Between Two Former FCC Chairmen
Network Neutrality was the key sticking point in a Tuesday presidential debate, by proxy, between two former chairmen of the Federal Communications Commission chairmen: Reed Hundt and Michael Powell.
Panelists Debate Success of U.S. Deregulation in Broadband
Experts on both sides of the Atlantic squared off on Monday about whether the United States’ broadband policies were a success.
Google CEO Says the Future Belongs to ‘Cloud Computing’
High-speed Internet connections, social networks, and “cloud computing” make it possible to “live a lot of your lives online,” said Google CEO Eric Schmidt.
Photos from the Free Press Conference in Minneapolis
Photos from the National Conference for Media Reform in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Media Reform Now About Internet, Not Broadcast Ownership
The Internet has opened up so many possibilities for communication that the most important concern about the media isn’t broadcasters, but cable and Bell companies, said Free Press.
FCC Commissioner Urges National Broadband Policy with Municipal Wi-Fi
A national broadband strategy should permit, and not prohibit, municipalities from offering high-speed Internet services, said Jonathan Adelstein.