NNSquad - Network Neutrality Squad
[ NNSquad ] Reactions to FCC regulation plans (with URL)
Verizon: FCC approach "legally unsupported and could harm consumers" (and other reactions) http://bit.ly/be2GLb (Washington Post) Some choice quotes: The two Republican FCC commissioners, Robert McDowell and Meredith Baker, said the proposal would "shatter the boundaries" of the agency's authority and discourage broadband providers from investing in their networks. Several public interest groups and big Internet companies, including Google, Skype, eBay Inc. and Amazon.com Inc., praised the proposal. So did Rep. Edward Markey, D-Mass., who sits on the House Energy and Commerce Committee, which oversees the FCC. "With this decision, the FCC will ensure that the agency remains the `cop on the beat,' protecting consumers and competition on the World Wide Web," Markey said. Tom Tauke, Verizon's top Washington official, said Genachowski's new approach to regulation is "legally unsupported" and "could ultimately harm consumers and inhibit the innovation and investment he wants to encourage." AT&T echoed that point. House Republican Leader John Boehner of Ohio called the plan "a government takeover of the Internet." The battle is likely to land in court if the big phone and cable companies decide to challenge the new framework. The companies already oppose Genachowski's network neutrality proposal, warning that restrictions on what they can do with their networks will discourage them from investing in their lines. And so on ... --Lauren-- NNSquad Moderator