FCC publishes ‘net neutrality’ rules
Sep 30, 2011 4:10 PM, By Michael Grotticelli
Gigi B. Sohn, president resident and co-founder of Public Knowledge, said she wishes the rules were stronger, but called them “a good start.”
After 10 months of anxious waiting, the FCC’s net neutrality rules have finally been published in the Federal Register. It's sure to set off an intense political battle that will most likely end up in the courts.
The rules add transparency to how broadband providers — both wired and wireless — manage networks. They prohibit wired broadband providers from blocking lawful content, applications, services and non-harmful devices.
Wireless providers are also barred from blocking lawful websites or applications that compete with voice or video services. They also forbid wired broadband providers from discriminating in the transmission of lawful network traffic.
The rules are set to take effect on Nov. 20. However, it’s expected that Verizon and MetroPCS will challenge the rules in court. Earlier cases from Verizon and MetroPCS cases were tossed out of court because the rules hadn’t been finalized.
Approval of the rules last December was along party lines. Three Democrats voted yes for the rules; two Republicans voted no. One of those Republicans has since accepted a job as a lobbyist at Comcast.
A critic of the rules, Rep. Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), called on the House and Senate to block them. She called them an “Internet Iron Curtain” and a “job-killer.”
“Net neutrality is a net loser,” Blackburn said. “These regulations were approved last December, and the FCC has been slow-walking them to avoid the lawsuits that are certain to be filed. It is just another example of a federal agency defying the will of the people.”
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