FCC High-Speed Decision Raises Concerns About Access

The FCC’s decision to remove the requirement for phone companies to provide access to high-speed lines by rival ISPs is raising concern on a number of fronts. The requirements were replaced by a statement on consumer rights that has no official standing; David Isenberg uses it to explain the differences between Michael Powell’s FCC and that of his successor as chairman, Kevin Martin. For instance: Powell, “Freedom to access content;” Martin, “Consumers are entitled to access the lawful Internet content of their choice.” His conclusion: “I’m scared.” (via Joho the Blog.)
The Wall Street Journal has a good overview, including what worries business. For instance, the entertainment industry needs access to deliver movies and TV over the internet and rely on networks owned by competitors or potential competitors. They and others are relying on net neutrality, equal access to high-speed lines and equal service. From the Journal: “Last Monday, an unlikely coalition of lobbyists for Dell Inc., Microsoft, Vonage and three consumer-advocate groups fanned out across the FCC’s offices to plead for enforceable net-neutrality rules.” But not everyone agrees there’s a problem that needs to be regulated. Dan Brenner, SVP-law and regulatory policy for the National Cable & Telecommunications Association (not National Cable Television Association, as in the WSJ, told the paper: “It’s a solution in search of a problem.” He argues that there’s no proof of market failure at present. Meanwhile, the cable industry sees the decision as more ammunition on its efforts to make sure the playing field for video is equally level.
Don’t expect a resolution any time soon.

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