Net Neutrality Hindered by Myths
The Net neutrality debate began in earnest in 2005 when then AT&T CEO Ed Whitacre proclaimed that Google was getting a “free ride” on his network. His answer to this perceived problem was lacking in imagination and forethought. His answer was to rectify the issue of a “free ride” by charging companies who were already [...]
Net Neutrality Causing a Debate Over Wireless
The Net Neutrality clause in Sec. 12 of the Broadband Policy- “It is the policy of the United States- To maintain the freedom to use for lawful purpose’s broadband telecommunications networks, including the Internet, without unreasonable interference from or discrimination by network operators, as has been the policy and history of the Internet and the basis [...]
Congressman Seeks Changes For Broadband Rules
Congressman Rick Boucher, Chairman of Communications, Technology and Internet, has expressed concern over the strict nature of existing broadband rules for remote communities that are within 50 miles of a city with a population of no less than 20,000. In his opening statement to the subcommittee in the second hearing for the ARRA, Boucher states, “Almost [...]
Comcast Has Victory Over FCC Subscriber Cap
Comcast and their supporters have achieved a victory over the FCC’s regulations calling for a 30% subscriber cap. The cap has been in place since 1992 when the Cable Television Consumer Protection and Competition Act went into effect. Since then it has been a source of contention between the FCC and Cable Providers. The CTCPC [...]
FCC Wants Broadband Defined
The Federal Communication Commission (FCC) has issued a public notice asking for ‘tailored comment’ developing a national broadband plan. The National Broadband Plan notice of inquiry, according to the FCC public notice, can be defined in a ‘myriad of ways’. “A static definition will fail to address changing needs and habits”. (Public Notice, FCC) The [...]
Top ISPs Foregoing Stimulus Funds
Top broadband service providers like AT&T, Comcast, and Verizon are unlikely to apply for stimulus funds according to an article in The Washington Post. The first deadline for the stimulus funds is August 20, 2009. Most of these carriers know the stimulus funds come with additional oversight including the Net Neutrality Bill. The top carriers [...]
FCC Promises Change on Data Reporting
Since implementing the Telecom Act in 1996, the FCC has traditionally made Broadband policy decisions based on flawed, incomplete data. The Telecom Act required the agency release quarterly reports on the status of broadband deployment. The information in those reports have been useless with the FCC declaring any zip code that has just one served [...]
Commerce Department Changes Rules for ISP’s
The U.S. Commerce Department announced on Friday that Internet service providers in America do not have to provide information formally required of them. With this decision, the ISP’s will not share how much money they make from each Internet subscriber nor will they say how fast their Internet connections typically run. The ISP’s prefer to [...]
