And you thought the lame duck Congress would just go home and leave us all alone for the holidays. National Journal:
Federal Communications Commission Chairman Julius Genachowski is making progress in narrowing gaps with his two Democratic colleagues over his controversial plan to adopt sweeping new rules for the Internet, National Journal has learned. But with the talks very fluid, and differences remaining, there’s still a possibility that the regulatory initiative could be pulled at the last minute from the agenda of Tuesday’s commission meeting.
[…]
An FCC source familiar with the negotiations said progress is being made in three key areas: addressing concerns about wireless carriers, limiting Internet toll lanes and adding protections for a new online pricing model.
Responding to the complaint that the proposal, announced Dec. 1, would not bar discriminatory blocking of rival applications and services by wireless carriers. Genachowski appears willing to have the FCC monitor the situation over the next two years. Critics have noted that the proposed rules are more stringent for wireline carriers, even though Americans are rapidly gravitating to mobile connectivity.
Wireless carriers have endorsed (albeit grudgingly) the net neutrality plan, offering Genachowski critical industry support that can help dampen congressional criticism. They insist they need maximum flexibility in operating their networks due to capacity constraints, and won’t block competitors.
If clear violations emerge, the agency would promulgate new protections down the road, the source said. Genachowski’s side has argued during closed-door negotiations that since the wireless market is still developing, tougher rules shouldn’t be applied now. Despite the progress, the source said the fate of the net neutrality proposal hinges on details to be ironed out over wireless service.
The FCC chairman also appears willing to limit the creation of toll lanes on the Internet for companies willing to pay for faster transmissions — a structure known as “paid prioritization.”
Government regulation; crony capitalism; passing laws to see what’s in them.
Business as usual.
These people clearly have too much time on their hands and need something to do. May I suggest they look for other work?
Hey, this Internet thing is working pretty well. Quick, let’s regulate it!
What part of fuck off do these bastards not understand?
I’m pretty sure that the core function of the FCC could be handled by a small office of people, so let’s work to that end. The internet is not any of their business.
“If clear violations emerge, the agency would promulgate new protections down the road…” and doncha know they’ll make damned sure a “clear violation emerges…” ’cause they are just itchin’ to “promulgate” themselves some “new protections.”
His first Matrix movie was a fun little ride. The others, not so much.
Soiled Sockpuppet,
The 3 Rules of Gubbermint Bureaucracies: If it moves, regulate it. If it’s still moving, tax it. If it stops moving, subsidize it.
Idiots.
– During the early 70’s the “FCC Commission/Commiaaioner” was one old dude, occupying a single office in the Capital building. His filing cabinet was stacks and stacks of manila folders stacked on every square inch of his desk, and flat surface in his tiny office.
– WTF happened? Big money, that’s what happened.
– The bureaucrats see the net as a new potential cash cow, and salivate. They will not leave it be in this time of budget crunches and runaway deficits. It’s just too juicy of a target to pass ot by.
– Question is, just how will they actually be able to enforce any laws they pass. ISP’s are already moving to wireless, and will just move offshore if things get to screwed up.
The arrogance of these asshats is breath-taking.
Going wireless means they’re more vulnerable to the FCC, not less. And given the short ranges of wireless broadband signals, they won’t be able to operate in the U.S. without transmitters on U.S. soil — hence, regulated.