FCC propose plan for Internet access controlling

The chairman of Federal Communications Commission, Julius Genachowski, outlined a plan that would allow the agency to control high-speed Internet transmissions. The plan calls for the FCC to reclassify broadband transmission service as a telecommunications service, but with exempting it from many of the rules that affect telephone service. The goal of this is to prevent Internet service providers (ISP) from discriminating against certain applications, Internet sites, or users.

 

The approach would specifically forbid the commission from regulating rates, content, services, applications, or electronic commerce sites. Mr. Genachowski said that plan is consistent with the consensus regarding role that the government should play with respect to broadband communications. It relies on a legal theory that recognizes the computing function and the broadband transmission as separate entities subject to different regulations. Opponents, including some telecommunications companies that provide broadband Internet service, said the approach would create uncertainty and legal battles that would slow the development of technologies that could benefit consumers. More detailed news about FCC’s plan can be found on The New York Times web site.