FCC To Introduce Net Neutrality Rule Monday

[babylonsister]

FCC To Introduce Net Neutrality Rule


Julius Genachowski, chairman of the Federal Communications Commission, plans to propose a new so-called net neutrality rule Monday that could prevent telecommunications, cable and wireless companies from blocking Internet applications, according to sources at the agency.

Genachowski will discuss the rules Monday during a keynote speech at The Brookings Institute. He isn't expected to drill into many details, but the proposal will specifically be for an additional guideline on how operators like AT&T, Verizon, and Comcast can control what goes on their networks. That additional guideline would prevent the operators from discriminating, or act as gatekeepers, of Web content and services.

The guidelines in place today have been criticized by applications developers like Google and public interest groups for not going far enough to clarify what is defined as discriminatory behavior. Comcast is fighting in federal court an FCC ruling that it violated the guidelines by blocking a video application last year. AT&T and Verizon have said existing rules are sufficient, and more regulation is unnecessary. However, they have also said they wouldn't fight against an additional guideline that focuses on discriminatory behavior.

The sources spoke on the condition of anonymity because details of the new regulations haven't been officially announced.

The new rule would be the first bold move by Genachowski, who served as President Obama's technology advisor during the campaign and transition. The rule could upset wireless, telecom and cable operators who have fought against regulations that would give them less control over traffic that runs on their networks. They argue that they need to maintain flexibility to manage traffic to ensure some applications don't take up too much bandwidth and make Web access slower for some users.

more...

http://voices.washingtonpost.com/posttech/2009/09/fcc_to_introduce_rules_that_pr.html

[Hissyspit]

1. kick - important nt

[Raster]

2. Thank you, Sister, for bringing this to our attention!

[babylonsister]

4. You're welcome. Thank Hissy for helping this not fall into obscurity!

:hi:

[blogslut]

3. A Good Start

Yay!

[slipslidingaway]

5. knr nt

[Avalux]

6. YAY! Good news.

Now if we could just get a government run service provider to give us another option and keep costs in check.

[babylonsister]

7. What a great idea! nt

[Thrill]

8. They need to do something about AT&T and TWC

In too many places you are forced to use one of these companies for internet service. AT&T basically owns all the phone lines. Both have brought up their competition. Its a joke

[autorank]

9. k*r This is good news very.

There's another internet issue that we need to watch, the "Violent Radicalization" Bill passed by the
last Congress. It's in the Senate, Homeland Security Committee
Bill http://www.govtrack.us/congress/bill.xpd?bill=s110-1959 Analysis http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0712/S00247.htm

The bill sets it up so that your writings can be classified as terrorist if they incite someone else,
someone you never met, to commit a violent political act. It's worth watching. It passed the house
400 to 6/. When the whistle was blown, it stopped dead. But you just know they'll try to sneak it
through again.

[Cha]

10. Thanks to everyone who is making this possible..

you know if mcpalin would have some how gotten in..this would not be a reality. They would be trying to make sure there was a permanent take over by the Fearwing..a la karl rove.