Free Press: FCC Net Neutrality Order a ‘Squandered Opportunity’
We are deeply disappointed that the chairman chose to ignore the overwhelming public support for real Net Neutrality, instead moving forward with industry-written rules that will for the first time in Internet history allow discrimination online. This proceeding was a squandered opportunity to enact clear, meaningful rules to safeguard the Internet’s level playing field and protect consumers.
Free Press
Obama FCC Caves on Net Neutrality
The FCC’s Net Neutrality rule is so riddled with loopholes that it’s become clear that this FCC chairman crafted it with the sole purpose of winning the endorsement of AT&T and cable lobbyists, and not defending the interests of the tens of millions of Internet users. For the first time in the history of telecommunications law, the FCC has given its stamp of approval to online discrimination.
Timothy Karr, Huffington Post
FCC Net Neutrality Rules Slammed from All Sides
The federal government’s new Internet policy was met with boisterous criticism from all sides of the political spectrum. There was one group, however, which seemed content with the new rules: the nation’s cable and telecommunications companies, including AT&T, Comcast and Verizon — the very group the policy was designed to oversee.
Ryan Singel, Wired
Telecoms Appear on Brink of Victory in Net Neutrality Fight
Expect the FCC’s Net Neutrality rules to be about as good as most deals Democrats seem to cut, which means that it is not very good at all. What’s particularly frustrating about this instance of Democratic “compromise” is that there was no need to compromise at all. Democrats hold the majority in an unelected regulatory body, and will during 2011-2012 as well. Still, the telecoms won anyway. To call it sad is an understatement.
Chris Bowers, Daily Kos
Internet Rules to Get Go Ahead by U.S. Regulators
Controversial new rules affecting the running of the Internet are expected to be approved by U.S. regulators today. The rules have been criticized for setting different standards for fixed line broadband and mobile operators. For the first time, there will be a policy that will allow for what has been termed “paid prioritization,” where companies will be able to pay for a faster service.
Maggie Shiels, BBC
It’s Here: FCC Adopts Net Neutrality (Lite)
After years of debating, infighting, wrangling in court, and mostly just waiting, the FCC has approved an Order that will adopt Net Neutrality rules — but it’s not what backers of the idea thought they’d be getting. The regulations ban content blocking and require transparency from ISPs. They also require network management and packet discrimination to be “reasonable,” but they exempt wireless broadband from all but the transparency and blocking rules.
Matthew Lasar, Ars Technica
FCC Makes Net Neutrality Rules Official
The FCC officially adopted controversial Net Neutrality rules, but the fight is far from over as the FCC’s authority to create and enforce these rules may still be questionable. Chairman Genachowski did not address the question of legal authority in his comments.
Marguerite Reardon, CNet
FCC Adopts First Open Internet Regulations
The FCC voted along strict party lines Tuesday to adopt regulations on Internet access. The meeting was characterized by cordial delivery of scathing dissents by the Republicans and a less than enthusiastic concurrence by swing vote Michael Copps, who said he had seriously considered dissenting before concluding it was at least a first step in the right direction.
John Eggerton, Broadcasting & Cable
Verizon Weighing Lawsuit Against FCC
Verizon, the nation’s second largest telecommunications carrier, may seek to overturn the historic open Internet rules to be approved by the FCC. Sources said the option is on the table, but cautioned that no final decision has been made. The company will review the details of the new “network neutrality” rules set for adoption by the agency to gauge its next move.
David Hatch, National Journal
Vote on Network Neutrality May Alter the Way We Listen Online
The Internet hasn’t been good to traditional record labels, but for musicians like Damian Kulash, lead singer of the band OK Go, it’s opened up a new channel for creativity. But many Internet service providers — such as Comcast, Verizon and AT&T — would like to have more control over the Internet service they provide to homes. And the FCC is proposing rules that could threaten the freewheeling environment that is the Internet as we know it.
Laura Sydell, NPR