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FCC chairman on why lawsuits won't beat net neutrality this time
Companies have been gunning for the FCC's open internet rules since the very moment news crossed the wires, and their latest move involved pushing for a stay -- a sort of legal "not so fast!" -- on the classification of the internet as a public utility. While visiting TechCrunch Disrupt in New York this morning, FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler reaffirmed his belief in a victory for the internet, saying he was "pretty confident" in the outcome of the cases and that his plan for now was simply "not to lose."
The FCC just revealed its rules to protect the open internet
When the FCC's commissioners gathered to vote on the future of the internet as we know it a few weeks ago, the actual plan was shrouded in by ambitious (if broad) rhetoric. No paid prioritization? Equal application to wireless services? The thoughtful ignoring of parts of the Telecommunications Act so internet providers wouldn't go absolutely batty? It all sounds pretty reasonable spoken aloud -- even if those providers are pitching a fit anyway -- but until now the public hasn't had the chance to pore over exactly what the FCC spent so much time deliberating on. The FCC has just released the full text of its Open Internet Order, which lays out its contentious vision for how the internet should be managed, along with each commissioner's affirming statement or dissent on the issue. The whole shebang weighs in at about 400 pages, but we'll be spending some time today sifting through the thing to see what juicy bits turn up. In the meantime, feel free to take a gander at the document in its desk-shaking entirety below.
State laws restricting city-run broadband overruled
Today is one of the more momentous days in the FCC's recent history. Its net neutrality vote will get most of the press attention, but its moves to protect municipal broadband from state legislators are also quite important. The proposal adopted today is narrowly focused, but it could have huge implications. What the regulator has decided to do is preempt state laws that seek to restrict the spread of city-built broadband networks in Chattanooga, Tennessee, and Wilson, North Carolina. But the agency also reserved the right to intercede on behalf of municipalities on a case-by-case basis if it thought that local or state governments were getting in the way of improving competition and spreading access to broadband internet.
The FCC will vote on net neutrality on February 26th
The FCC may be about to redefine American internet access in a big, big way. Chairman Tom Wheeler has narrowed down the Commission's vote on new net neutrality rules to its next meeting, on February 26th. It's still not apparent exactly what those proposed regulations will be, although they're likely to bridge the gap between the President's desire to treat the internet as a utility and the anti-regulatory approach of internet providers. There's a common ground between the FCC and the President, Wheeler says -- they both want to prevent networks from blocking or throttling apps, and they both value transparency.
FCC plans to vote on new net neutrality rules in February
Clear your calendars, defenders of the internet: The next big development in the net neutrality battle is due in February. First reported by the Washington Post, the FCC has confirmed it plans to vote on new rules next month. The rumors indicate a draft proposal will go around first with a vote planned for a couple of weeks later, but there's no word yet on whether the ever-controversial "fast lanes" will be included, or if the FCC will reclassify internet services under Title II. The President has weighed in with his opinion, along with thousands of internet comments -- we'll find out more about how those balance against the interests and threats of the big telecommunications companies next month. [Image credit: BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI/AFP/Getty Images]
Records reveal net neutrality chats between FCC and telecoms
It's no secret that the FCC has at least a few links to the communications companies it's policing. Chairman Tom Wheeler is a former lobbyist, and commissioners have taken industry jobs mere months after leaving office. However, Vice News has obtained records showing that the two sides are frequently in direct contact -- and there's a concern that this may be affecting the net neutrality debate. For example, Cisco CEO John Chambers called Wheeler to endorse proposed net neutrality rules earlier this year. To him, they encourage new business models without imposing "onerous regulation." Chief Comcast lobbyist Kathy Zachem, meanwhile, gave the FCC's top lawyer advance notice of Republican objections to the proposal. Wheeler has also spoken with other prominent figures on the topic, including former FCC chair (and now National Cable & Telecommunications Association head) Michael Powell.
FCC Chairman says fear of lawsuits is holding up Net Neutrality
The Federal Communications Commission might seem slow, even resistant to calls for Net Neutrality, but FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler says the organizations slow reaction is very deliberate. "The big dogs are going to sue regardless of what comes out," the Chairman told reporters today. "We need to make sure that we have sustainable rules, and that starts with making sure that we have addressed the multiplicity of issues that comes along and are likely to be raised." In other words, the FCC's plans for an open internet need to be strong enough weather the legal ire of ISPs opposed Net Neutrality.
An FCC rule change could put internet TV on a level playing field with cable
Right now internet services don't always have the opportunity to show the same content as traditional TV, but the FCC might be about to change that. Chairman Tom Wheeler described in his blog post "Tech Transitions, Video, and the Future" the "first step" to open cable programs and local TV to internet services, by giving them the same classification that cable and satellite providers have. That wouldn't apply to Netflix or Amazon (as they currently exist), but anyone streaming live TV channels over the internet -- like Sony, Verizon and Dish are planning, Intel tried before selling to Verizon, and Apple's TV project has been rumored to include -- would be covered.
FCC starts the process for making '5G' gigabit mobile data a reality
We're barely seeing 4G take hold here in the States and the FCC has begun the process to push into 5G for mobile data. The government's communications council voted unanimously to start looking into accessing the higher-than-24GHz frequency spectrum that was previously thought to be, as Reuters notes, unusable by mobile networks. So what are the benefits? Gigabit internet connections on the go, for starters -- something our current sub-3GHz spectrum can't quite handle -- similar to the ones Samsung just tested. Yeah, now you're excited. The feds believe that using these "millimeter waves" would allow for higher bandwidth for more people and devices at speeds that outclass most homes' broadband.
If the internet had slow lanes, you'd still be waiting to read this article
Today is the internet's "Day of Action," an organized protest aimed at the Comcasts and Time Warners of the world from internet denizens, organizations, and companies. And some of the internet's biggies are on board: Netflix, Twitter, Dropbox, Reddit, Tumblr and more. Perhaps you noticed a widget on Netflix today (seen above)? That's part of the protest: not actually slowing down websites (which would no doubt frustrate users), but helping to enlighten users who might not know what net neutrality is. Wait -- are you one of those people? That's totally possible! Here's a quick summary: net neutrality is the internet as it exists today. All websites are created equal -- there are no websites that load noticeably faster or slower than others due to internet providers signing financial contracts with website owners/service providers. Today's protest is about keeping things that way.
The FCC wants tougher net neutrality rules for mobile devices
When the FCC crafted its first set of net neutrality rules, it treated the mobile internet as a young space that needed less regulation to thrive; it only asked that carriers disclose what they were doing and avoid blocking apps. That directive may have been fine in 2010, when high-speed LTE barely even existed, but FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler is concerned that this light-touch approach is no longer enough. He's now arguing that cellular internet access should be subject to the same rules as landlines. As Wheeler puts it, a lot has changed in four years. We're now in a "mobile first" world where the data on your phone is at least as important as what you get at home.
FCC head chastises Verizon for throttling unlimited data plans
Not happy that Verizon is going to throttle unlimited LTE data plans? You're not alone. FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler has just sent a letter to Verizon Wireless CEO Dan Mead criticizing the carrier for the new policy. He's "deeply troubled" by the move, and suggests that the arbitrary slowdowns may be violating the open access rules that Verizon said it would obey back in 2008. The FCC defines "reasonable network management" in terms of technology-related issues (like congestion and security) rather than service plans, Wheeler says. To him, Big Red is abusing a "loophole" in order to boot customers off of unlimited data and wring out more profit -- Mead may have to do a good job defending the decision if he wants to avoid a regulatory fight.
FCC's net neutrality inbox is already stuffed with 647k messages, get yours in by Tuesday
The FCC's controversial plans for a new version of net neutrality are still open for public comment for a few more days, and Chairman Tom Wheeler -- continuing to fight charges that he may be a dingo -- says it's already received over 647,000 comments so far. The 60 day period for public comment runs out on the 15th though, so if you want your voice to be heard then about fast lanes, Title II or anything else, then now is the time. The internet may not have crashed the FCC's website -- hackers did that -- but it can still have an effect on the way we connect in the future. Read the FCC's proposal here, and send your comments in via openinternet@fcc.gov. [Image credit: Karen Bleier via Getty Images]
The FCC is looking into Netflix's issues with Comcast and Verizon
Netflix has been loudly agitating over the last few months about deals it says ISPs like Comcast and Verizon have forced it into for adequate service, and now the FCC is looking into them. While there's no action yet, FCC Commisioner Tom Wheeler has obtained the confidential terms of the peering agreements between Netflix and the two ISPs, and says FCC staff is asking for others. At issue? Whether consumers are getting what they're paying for, from ISPs and Netflix. Meanwhile, Dan Rayburn points out that Sandvine recently posted tests where an iPad and Apple TV on the same Comcast connection at the same time got different quality, because Netflix delivered service to the two devices over different connections. As of late, accusations have flown back and forth over who is to blame for the slow down (the image above is from Reed Hasting's blog post arguing for "strong" net neutrality that would require free connections), and Wheeler says he wants to bring some transparency to the deals.
FCC demands that states get out of the way of municipal broadband
FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler got his start as a lobbyist for the cable and wireless industries. So, it's no surprise that many are suspicious of his intentions and dedication to fighting for the rights of American consumers. While his recent waffling on Net Neutrality is still cause for concern, his recent statements in support of municipal broadband are worth cheering. In a statement posted to the FCC site, Wheeler said that: If the people, acting through their elected local governments, want to pursue competitive community broadband, they shouldn't be stopped by state laws promoted by cable and telephone companies that don't want that competition. That's about as strong a statement as one can expect from the head of a regulatory body. Plus, it's a pretty blunt challenge to both the industry he once lobbied on behalf of, and the government officials many believe are in their back pockets. In particular he cited the case of Chattanooga, TN which built out its own gigabit per-second fiber network out of frustration with the options offered by the incumbent Comcast.
Care about an open internet? Tell the US government on Twitter today
Rumors that the FCC would let ISPs like Comcast or Verizon give an internet "fast lane" to well-heeled customers has become a debacle, with Google, Yahoo and a hundred other companies denouncing the idea. The FCC and chairman Tom Wheeler have been in damage control mode ever since, and now want to hear what you think about net neutrality. Starting at 2pm ET today, FCC Senior Counsel Gigi B. Sohn will take your questions over Twitter, submitted using the #FCCNetNeutrality hashtag. Then, you'll just need to search Twitter using that same hashtag to follow the resulting dialogue. For instance, we're curious to find out how it could allow such fast lanes without slowing down everybody else, something they've sworn not to do. And that's just the tip of the iceberg -- given the sudden swarm of interest in the subject, it should make for a fascinating hour if you can spare it.
FCC may revise the new net neutrality rules, but it's unlikely to satisfy critics
After pushback from a number of internet companies and even calls from within the FCC to delay a vote on the proposed new net neutrality standards, an FCC official has confirmed Tom Wheeler is making some changes. Detailed in a report by the Wall Street Journal, the (heavily criticized) general approach with the ability to sell faster delivery for some web content will be the same, but according to an unnamed official, will include language to make sure the FCC would have to make sure any deal doesn't put nonpaying companies at an unfair disadvantage. That will probably not meet the bar sought by most net neutrality advocates, and the updated rules are also said to stop short of calling for the reclassification of internet providers as common carriers under Title II.
FCC chairman to cable companies: forcing some net traffic into a slow lane will not be permitted
FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler's PR push to explain his proposed new meaning of net neutrality continued today at The Cable Show 2014. Speaking directly to executives of the cable broadband industry, Wheeler claimed anyone opposing net neutrality and an open internet would need to "put away the party hats," and once again raised the threat of tighter Title II regulation if any internet providers tried to divide internet access between "haves and have-nots." The issue detractors however, is that the threat isn't being exercised already, and critics are doubtful that it ever will be. Based on his speech (you can read it in full after the break), he believes the new rules will let the FCC block any attempts that would force certain traffic into a congested slow lane, while "others with special privileges can have superior service." There even seems to be a hint at extending net neutrality in the ways Netflix's Reed Hastings has suggested, mentioning that customers expect quality access at all points of the internet, and if that pathway is interfered with then it's in violation of the Open Internet rules. Consumer group Public Knowledge has issued a response, saying that while it's "pleased to see the Chairman recognize Title II as a legitimate option...It's hard to understand how the FCC's proposal, as reported, can allow avenues for paid prioritization and yet still serve as a pillar for net neutrality." Like everyone else, for now they're waiting until the FCC's meeting May 15th to read over the proposal and formally comment.
FCC Chairman Wheeler talks tough on defending net neutrality, broadband competition and paid peering deals
Word of a new FCC proposal for net neutrality that could allow ISPs to discriminate between traffic on a "commercially reasonable" basis caused an uproar last week, and now Chairman Tom Wheeler has more to say about it. In a new blog post titled "Finding the Best Path Forward to Protect the Open Internet" he addresses many of the concerns raised about the rules some have suggested would effectively kill the concept of net neutrality, as well as other problems like a lack of competition between broadband providers and the interconnect deals Netflix has complained about reaching with ISPs like Comcast and Verizon. Wheeler called preserving the Open Internet "a priority" for the FCC, and claims "all options" are on the table -- including reclassifying internet providers so they can be regulated like phone companies or other utilities, a measure encouraged by consumer groups like Public Knowledge and Free Press. According to the chairman, the current proposal that's on the table for commentary exists to get something enforceable in place soon. Other choices, in his view, mean ignoring the court's previous ruling on net neutrality, or going in a whole new direction that could be tied up in courts for years. Saying "I won't hesitate to use Title II" (reclassification), if ISPs abuse the new rules and jeopardize the next Google or Amazon (Netflix was not mentioned) may put some more meat behind them. He claims that if anyone attempts to degrade the service of many for the benefit of few, the FCC will do everything it can to stop it. Now, we wait and see if that will mollify critics or satisfy Congress when he goes in front of the House Commerce Subcommittee on Communications on May 20th. Other issues the FCC is dealing with include those interconnection arrangements Netflix's Reed Hastings is so concerned about, and transparency requirements the chairman says will uncover any bad practices by ISPs like the ones Comcast and Verizon have been accused of. [Image Credit: Andrew Harrer/Bloomberg via Getty Images]
FCC claims it hasn't abandoned net neutrality at all, opens a new inbox for comments
Recent news that the FCC is drafting new net neutrality rules caused an uproar once it came out that they could let ISPs give certain traffic special access. That goes against the principles conventionally ascribed to net neutrality, which so far have required ISPs to treat any traffic on their networks the same. FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler called those claims "flat out wrong" in a short statement, and in a blog post titled "Setting the Record Straight on the FCC's Open Internet Rules" says his proposal does not abandon the FCC's earlier policies. According to the chairman, the proposed draft is simply following the roadmap established by the court when the previous net neutrality standards were struck down and "would establish that behavior harmful to consumers or competition by limiting the openness of the Internet will not be permitted." So, should you be worried about the new rules?
