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From Wireless IQ Daily News: In its Open Meeting on Friday, The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) extended Title I treatment to broadband Internet service provided by telephone companies, thus removing outdated common carrier obligations and creating parity in the regulatory treatment between cable and phone company-provided broadband services, say leading carrier officials.
"At last, regulations are catching up to where consumers and technology have been for some time. This decision will help accelerate deployment of broadband networks, enabling greater choice and increased access for consumers, “says Susanne A. Guyer, Verizon senior vice president for federal regulatory affairs. "We commend Chairman Martin and the commission for acting quickly to move us closer to the president's goal of broadband deployment to all Americans by 2007."
Internet providers also approve the ruling.
"Today's FCC ruling effectively preserves DSL access for the next year. Beyond that, we are confident that we will extend our existing commercial agreements with the Bells so that we can continue to deliver DSL services," says Dave Baker, vice president, law and public, EarthLink. "EarthLink will continue to work with our cable partners and explore next generation broadband alternatives to give consumers competitive alternatives for their high-speed Internet service."
"We will also work with Chairman Martin and the FCC to ensure that consumers will be able to take advantage of an expanding line of competitive advanced communications services and applications as the FCC phases out the regulatory framework now governing DSL service," he added.
The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA), the preeminent trade association promoting growth in the consumer technology industry, also weighed in on the judgment.
"We applaud today's action by the FCC creating regulatory parity among all broadband service providers. More importantly, we commend the Commission's endorsement of principles ensuring that Americans retain their freedom to access content, use applications and connect devices of their choice to high-speed Internet networks. Adherence to these principles is vital to ensure the development of new innovative consumer electronic devices that depend on unrestricted connection to broadband networks. In the coming days, we will examine the policy statement in full to ensure that it includes the necessary provisions and mechanisms that fully preserve these principles. We look forward to working with Chairman Martin and the Commission as we continue to promote and protect consumers' freedom to connect in the broadband era," says CEA Vice President, Technology Policy Michael Petricone.
CEA represents more than 2,000 corporate members involved in the design, development, manufacturing, distribution and integration of audio, video, mobile electronics, wireless and landline communications, information technology, home networking, multimedia and accessory products, as well as related services that are sold through consumer channels. Combined, CEA's members account for more than $121 billion in annual sales.
New Edge Networks, a national managed network services provider for businesses and carriers, said it had expected the FCC's decision to classify DSL as a deregulated information service.
"Today's FCC decision on DSL is not a surprise for New Edge Networks. We have been repositioning New Edge Networks for this possible eventuality through the development of our 'BigFoot' DSL coverage for more than two years," says Dan Moffat, president and CEO of New Edge Networks. "New Edge Networks delivers BigFoot DSL through both regulated and unregulated commercial agreements with regional bell operating companies, long-distance carriers, and other independent providers."
"It is too early to speculate on the implications of the FCC's decision until we have an opportunity to review and study the written order. The only certainty at this point is that there will be more debates, appeals, and clarifications after affected players review the written FCC order," he added. |
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