Logo

Net Neutrality: What to Expect From the FCC on Tuesday; Also, Check Out All the Lobbying That’s Being Done to Influence What Happens

Dec 20, 2010  •  Post A Comment

With the Federal Communications Commissioon expected to finally tackle net neutrality tomorrow, Tuesday, Dec. 21, 2010, here’s what to expect regarding Internet traffic rules.

"The rules would ban high-speed Internet providers like Comcast Corp. and Verizon Communications from blocking lawful traffic, but are expected to acknowledge their need to manage network congestion and possibly charge consumers based on Internet usage. Federal Communications Commission Chairman Julius Genachowski’s plan will likely attract the grudging support of his two fellow Democrats, analysts say, overcoming opposition from the agency’s two Republicans."

So writes Reuters. The article continues, "The Republican commissioners have said they prefer that Internet traffic remain free of regulation. ‘But I still think it’s more likely that they will work something out,’ said Rebecca Arbogast, an analyst with Stifel Nicolaus and a former division chief at the FCC. Internet providers say they should be free to manage their networks for the benefit of all users, but content providers fear disruption of access and anti-competitive behavior."

Equally fascinating is all the lobbying that’s gone on about the rulemaking.

"Over the past three years, more than 150 organizations hired at least 118 outside lobbying groups to influence the outcome of the vote currently scheduled for the commission’s open meeting on Tuesday, Dec. 21, a Capital Business analysis of congressional lobbying records shows," Amanda Becker at The Washington Post writes.

After detailing some of the lobbying efforts, Becker writes, "The work of these firms and others was crucial to Genachowski’s recent indication that his proposal will ultimately include a usage-based pricing provision that grants Internet service providers ‘meaningful flexibility’ to manage their networks–a victory for ISPs. AT&T, Comcast, Verizon and Time Warner Cable have collectively employed more than 60 firms for net neutrality-related work, including shops such as Capitol Solutions, Crossroads Strategies, Ogilvy Government Relations and Quinn, Gillespie & Associates."

11 Comments

  1. Way to focus and straight to your point, i love it. Keep up the work people. Dont let anyone stop us bloggers.

  2. Great blog!! You should start many more. I love all the info provided. I will stay tuned 🙂

  3. I love the expression. Everyone needs to express there own opinion and feel free to hear others. Keep it up 🙂

  4. Neat blog layout! Very easy on the eyes.. i like the colors you picked out

  5. Interesting thoughts here. I appreciate you taking the time to share them with us all. It’s people like you that make my day 🙂

  6. Great blog!! You should start many more. I love all the info provided. I will stay tuned 🙂

  7. Hey how are you doing? I just wanted to stop by and say that it’s been a pleasure reading your blog. I have bookmarked your website so that I can come back & read more in the future as well. plz do keep up the quality writing

  8. Way to focus and straight to your point, i love it. Keep up the work people. Dont let anyone stop us bloggers.

  9. Love all the opinions expressed here! How is everyone? Love how everyone expresses whatr they feel 🙂

  10. You make blogging look like a walk in the park! I’ve been trying to blog daily but I just cant find writing material.. you’re an inspiration to me and i’m sure many others!

Your Comment

Email (will not be published)