FCC Caves on Net Neutrality

Net neutrality has some unlikely new champions, including Ford, UPS and Visa.

-- Tom

 

The FCC won’t decide net neutrality’s fate this year

-- Tom

 

“We are going to be sued.” FCC chairman speaks on net neutrality.

-- Tom

 

Internet users are vague on privacy, know more about net neutrality

http://www.computerworld.com/articl...n-privacy-know-more-about-net-neutrality.html

 

Angela Merkel calls for end to net neutrality.

-- Tom

 

FCC voting on new net neutrality rules in February.

-- Tom

 

Title II for Internet providers is all but confirmed by FCC chairman.

-- Tom

 

Net neutrality takes another twist at CES as Congress appears ready to step in.

-- Tom

 

On net neutrality, Internet providers are betrayed by one of their own.

-- Tom

 

AT&T defends unlimited data throttling, says the FTC can’t stop it.

-- Tom

 

Republican net neutrality bill would gut FCC’s authority over broadband.

-- Tom

 

Shifting Politics of Net Neutrality Debate Ahead of F.C.C. Vote.

-- Tom

 

Here's how the new Republican Congress plans to undercut net neutrality.

-- Tom

 

Net Neutrality: No on Reclassification, Yes on Adding Content & App Providers.

-- Tom

 

Tons of AT&T and Verizon customers may no longer have “broadband” tomorrow.

-- Tom

 

The Net Neutrality Bait and Switch.

-- Tom

 

Before Net Neutrality: The Surprising 1940s Battle for Radio Freedom.

-- Tom

 

FCC more than quintuples the legal definition of 'broadband'.

-- Tom

 

FCC chairman mocks industry claims that customers don’t need faster Internet.

-- Tom

 

Canada upholds net neutrality rules: “No Fast Lanes and Slow Lanes”: CRTC Rules Bell’s Mobile TV Service Violates Telecommunications Act.

-- Tom

 

FCC on verge of killing state laws that harm municipal broadband.

-- Tom

 

AT&T previews lawsuit it plans to file against FCC over net neutrality.

-- Tom

 

ATT's fears have become a reality. The Chairman of the FCC this AM announced that he will will present for the Commission's consideration a Proposal (Notice of Proposed Rule Making) that will exercise the Commission's Title II authority and reclassify ISPs as "Common Carriers"

A 100% turn a round from his initial proposal!

A huge win for advocates of Net Neutrality if the full Commission approves the Proposal.-- more to follow

An excellent full story here: http://www.wired.com/2015/02/fcc-chairman-wheeler-net-neutrality/

 

The proposal is likely to pass.

While all current members of the Commission were appointed by President Obama, that in and of itself is not determinative.

There are 5 members of the FCC

Chairman Wheeler

Commissioner Mignon L. Clyburn, who has a very strong history as a consumer advocate.

Commssioner Jessica Rosenworcel, who was the primary adviser to Michael J. Copps, when he was an FCC Commissioner. Michael J. Copps was the only member of the FCC who voted against the Comcast - NBC Universal merger. She was formerly Legal Counsel to the Chief of the Wireline Competition Bureau

Commissioner Ajit Pai, who came up through the ranks of the staff of the FCC. His vote is not predictable.

Commissioner Michael O’Rielly, a Republican, who has a long prior history of workiong for Republican members of Congress. He is most likely to vote agains the proposal

Looks like at least 3-2 with a dissenting opinion by Commissioner Michael O’Rielly

It should be noted that in the latest case respecting the FCC's regulation of the internet, The United States Court of Appeals in it's opinion, in what is referred to as dicta, stated that if the FCC wants to assure an open internet it has the authority to do so by reclassifying the internet and ISPs and being subject to Title II of The Telcommunications Act, the main statute that the FCC administers.

Title II of The Act governs Telecommunications Services and gives the Commission broad authority. Title I of the Act governs Information Services, and gives The Commission limited authority over such services.

Dicta is a statement made by a court in it's written opinion that is not necessary to support the decision made in that opinion.