By approving the new rules that would establish net neutrality laws, FCC has taken an important step toward prohibiting broadband providers from favoring or discriminating against certain kinds of Internet traffic.
Web regulation earns unanimous votes
On Thursday, FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski officially unveiled net neutrality rules based on the six principles that Genachowski laid out in a speech last month.
The new rules would bar broadband providers from blocking customers from the content, applications or services of their choice. Genachowski said regulations are needed to prevent phone and cable companies from abusing their control over the market for broadband access, prohibiting them from connecting with the devices of their choice.
In addition, the regulations are required to ensure that broadband subscribers can access all legal websites, applications and services.
"The Internet is and has been an open platform and it is that openness…and the extraordinary benefits it has brought for our country….that we seek to preserve through the proceeding we launch today," said Genachowski.
The proposed net neutrality rules, which would formalize a set of net neutrality principles in place at the FCC since 2005, apply to all broadband Internet platforms, including mobile wireless broadband.
Net neutrality supporters, including a slew of Silicon Valley tech titans and early technologists of the Web, are happy with the FCC’s latest move.
But the FCC’s new regulations still face hurdles from Telecom trade associations and free market groups. Despite the unanimous vote, not all the commissioners were convinced by Genachowski’s proposal.
Republicans not convinced
Republican Commissioner Robert McDowell, the ranking Republican on the commission, said he is not convinced that broadband providers are engaging in anticompetitive behavior that requires government intervention, and voted for the measure merely to allow an open public discussion of the matter.
"Today we do disagree on substance," said McDowell. "I do not share the majority's view that the Internet is showing breaks and cracks, nor do I believe that the government is the best tool to fix it. I also disagree with the premise that the Commission has the legal authority to regulate Internet network management as proposed."
McCain protested FCC's proposal
Senator John McCain, Republican from Arizona, introduced a bill yesterday to block Genachowski’s proposal. McCain branded the FCC’s proposed net neutrality rules a "government takeover" of the Internet that will depress an "already anemic" job market in the United States. He said his bill would prohibit the FCC from enacting rules that would regulate the Internet.
"Today I'm pleased to introduce the Internet Freedom Act of 2009 that will keep the Internet free from government control and regulation," McCain said. "It will allow for continued innovation that will in turn create more high-paying jobs for the millions of Americans who are out of work or seeking new employment. Keeping businesses free from oppressive regulations is the best stimulus for the current economy."
FCC has now opened the issue for a public comment period. Stakeholders have until Jan. 14, 2010 to file the first round of comments on whether to adopt the new rules and until March 5, 2010 to file reply comments.
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