The Nations Top ISP’s Against Net Neutrality…
This week the nations largest Internet service providers, AT&T and Verizon, warned the FCC that any possible move that would position their companies further under the agency’s jurisdiction would be met with resistance. In a 14 page letter to the agency, AT&T and Verizon were joined by trade groups CTIA and the National Cable and Telecommunications Association.
In the letter they argue that a move toward tighter jurisdiction for these companies is “extremist”, adding,“The proposed regulatory about-face would be untenable as a legal matter, and, at a minimum, would plunge the industry into years of litigation and regulatory chaos”.
These comments come as the FCC awaits a federal appeals court decision which could undercut the authority the agency has over these companies Internet businesses. Any ruling against the agency could create not only a litigation nightmare but also subvert FCC signature policy objectives. These policy objectives include open-Internet rules, which will keep the Internet free and open to the public, while increasing investment and innovation. A ruling against the FCC would also derail the reform of an $8 billion rural telephone fund which would provide broadband access to under-served parts of the country.
This case originated from a Comcast’s appeal to a ruling in 2007, the ruling found that Comcast violated open access guidelines. These guidelines prohibited providers from blocking or slowing web-sites. Comcast declined to add their signature to the 14 page FCC letter. Advocates in favor of a free and open Internet would like to see the FCC classify these Internet service providers along side telephone companies, which are fully under the jurisdiction of the FCC. The FCC has argued that its’ authority over the ISP’s evolved from their supervision of other communications services like cable providers and telephone services.
Some consumer advocates are in favor of the reclassification of Internet services. This change would place ISP’s under the Title II common carrier services, which transports people or goods under regulatory supervision. Broadband carriers argue that this reclassification would be too restrictive. Commenting on the reclassification issue in their 14 page letter they stated, “The commission should keep this Pandora’s Box of Title II classification nailed shut”.
The nations top ISP’s are going down the same path as those in the healthcare and banking industries, revealing their true motivation of, all for us and none for them, battle cries. I think James Rucker of colorofchange.org says it best,
“The reasoning [of Net Neutrality detractors] seems to be that if we give broadband providers the legal authority to discriminate on content, which will allow them to increase their profits, they will suddenly become benevolent and invest in expanding their networks or lower broadband prices. The reasoning is just not borne out by reality. These companies… haven’t — except when forced — made broadband more affordable for poorer communities”.
In fact, when given the opportunity, each of the top ISP’s has done the opposite.
Related posts:
- Net Neutrality Hindered by Myths
- Net Neutrality Debate Split Down Party Lines
- Net Neutrality Gaining Support, AT&T Resists
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