Friday, May 16, 2014

FCC Vote Starts Long Process

The FCC Thursday formally proposed new "net neutrality" rules that may let Internet service providers charge content companies for faster and more reliable delivery of their traffic to users.

Thursday's vote kicks off a long process for the FCC, according to The Chicago Tribune.  The agency seeks public comment and won't vote on final rules until this fall. The rules, intended to replace those overturned by an appellate court, won't take effect until late this year.

The FCC would bar internet service providers from blocking any legal content and impose more open internet restrictions on Web traffic in homes than that over mobile connections, but would ask the public questions about whether to impose far stronger regulations including a ban on internet service providers creating a fast lane for favored content providers. However, it did not include language enforcing such a ban in the proposal, a key absence that many net neutrality crusaders say makes this proposal fall short.

Wheeler's proposal didn't do another key thing consumer groups and some Hollywood unions wanted: It didn't reclassify broadband as "a telecom service." Consumers groups have argued that broadband's current definition as an "information service" makes it far harder for the FCC to fight off legal challenges to Open Internet regulations. Wheeler asked for public comment about whether to make the reclassification.

FCC commissioners offered sharply divided opinions on the FCC action.

Commissioner Rosenworcel, while supporting the proposal, said she was concerned the FCC's review of rules was being rushed because of the importance of the Web.
"There is nothing in our commercial and civic lives that will be untouched by its influence or unmoved by its power." 
Commissioner Ajit Pai, who opposed the FCC action, expressed concern that the FCC action could create uncertainty, hurting investment in the Web.
"Every American should be wary about five unelected officials deciding its fate," he said. He urged that the FCC ask Congress to decide the issue rather than act on its own."
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