[opendtv] US bill aims to break deadlock on net neutrality
- From: "Manfredi, Albert E" <albert.e.manfredi@xxxxxxxxxx>
- To: "opendtv@xxxxxxxxxxxxx" <opendtv@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
- Date: Wed, 29 Sep 2010 14:43:53 -0500
I'm confused as to whether this bill applies only to wireless broadband, as
first mentioned, or whether it also applies to wired broadband, as implied
toward the end:
"Waxman's bill will not go far enough for most net neutrality campaigners, as
it would bar the FCC from reclassifying broadband as a Title II service, which
would then open the way for the regulator to impose net neutrality conditions.
The proposal would effectively remove the FCC's authority over wireline
broadband ISPs though it would allow the regulator to examine any net
neutrality violations on a case-by-case basis and impose fines of up to $2m."
A significant impact that isn't mentioned is what this does to the universal
service fund.
Bert
---------------------------------
http://www.rethink-wireless.com/2010/09/28/us-bill-aims-break-deadlock-net-neutrality.htm
US bill aims to break deadlock on net neutrality
Takes soft approach to wireless services and stops short of reclassification
By CAROLINE GABRIEL
Published: 28 September, 2010
A proposed US net neutrality bill would take a soft approach to wireless,
according to documents leaked from the office of its proposer, Rep. Henry
Waxman, the chair of the House Energy and Commerce Committee.
Waxman apparently aims to put forward a bill that is broadly acceptable to many
interest groups, and so able to get through the House of Representatives before
the midterm elections in November. It would then have to be passed by the
Senate after those elections.
The draft proposes that wireless internet providers would be barred from
blocking consumers from accessing any lawful website, subject to "reasonable
network management"; nor would they be able to block "lawful applications that
compete with the provider's voice or video communications services in which the
provider has an attributable interest, subject to reasonable network
management."
In addition, they would be required to offer accurate, plain language
information to consumers on their pricing, network performance and network
management policies (such as data caps), so that users could make informed
choices of providers.
Waxman's bill will not go far enough for most net neutrality campaigners, as it
would bar the FCC from reclassifying broadband as a Title II service, which
would then open the way for the regulator to impose net neutrality conditions.
The proposal would effectively remove the FCC's authority over wireline
broadband ISPs though it would allow the regulator to examine any net
neutrality violations on a case-by-case basis and impose fines of up to $2m.
The FCC itself will have until December 31 2011 to report back to Congress on
whether it needs more authority to implement its national broadband plan.
According to The Wall Street Journal, FCC chairman Julius Genachowski has said
he would welcome a legislative compromise to resolve the deadlock on net
neutrality. Broadband providers are trying to avoid reclassification and
wireless broadband operators additionally argue that their networks must be a
special case because of the constraints of spectrum. A few weeks ago, the FCC
invited public comment on which rules should apply to wireless networks, and
how.
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