CCIA applauds FCC’s light-touch approach to broadband

WASHINGTON, USA: The FCC took steps today toward clarifying its authority to protect open Internet access. FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski took a middle ground approach to narrowly reclassify the transmission component of broadband Internet access as a telecommunications service. Under this moderate “third way,” the FCC would excuse Internet Access Providers (IAPs) from price regulation, wholesale unbundling and other traditional mandates.

“The FCC is trying to preserve Internet freedom and minimize Internet regulation.”
Based on actions by the FCC under the Bush administration, Genachowski was left with two unappealing choices following a recent court decision in the Comcast case. Either the FCC could continue trying to rely on Title I of the Communications Act to preserve the open Internet or rely on full Title II common carrier provisions that give the Commission authority over telecommunications services.

The Computer & Communications Industry Association represents a diverse array of communications and tech companies that all have an interest in the FCC’s handling of broadband Internet access.