FCC Chairman Proposes New Net Neutrality Rules

The trade press was a buzz this morning awaiting a speech by FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski in which he outlined his plans to implement net neutrality and open Internet regulations.

Genachowski asked that the FCC adopt as rules the four existing principles on Internet access issued by the agency in 2005. In short, the principles affirm that consumers must be able to access the lawful Internet content, applications and services of their choice, and attach non-harmful devices to the network.

Chairman Genachowski also proposed the addition of two new principles. The first would prevent Internet access providers from discriminating against particular Internet content or applications, while allowing for reasonable network management. The second principle would ensure that Internet access providers are transparent about network management practices.

The Chairman also proposed clarifying that all six principles apply to all platforms that access the Internet – wireless and wireline. This could have major repercussions for a wireless industry which, by and large, is used to charging customers for services on an ala carte basis, and controlling access to applications.  For instance, what about all of those competitive applications — Skype’s VoIP service, Sling Media’s Slingbox Mobile video offering, and Google’s voice application among them — that typically are blocked on your mobile device?

An official notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM), which will ask for input and feedback on the proposed rules, is expected at the FCC’s October meeting.

Stay tuned to this week’s issue of NTCA’s The Washington Report to learn more.
Visit the “Open Internet” Web site.
Read Genachowski’s remarks.

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