FCC Announces Net Neutrality Order for December Meeting
Even as the FCC is struggling to get net neutrality rules enabled Comcast is making monopolistic moves to protect it’s content and tiered cable pricing structure from streaming media competitors.
Five years after the federal government first began considering rules designed to keep the internet free from meddling by the huge phone and cable companies, the nation’s top communications regulator is finally set to take action. But the agency’s approach means the case will almost certainly wind up in federal court.
On December 21st, the Federal Communications Commission is set to vote on rules to protect network neutrality, the principle that broadband companies shouldn’t block or degrade rival web content, services or applications.
President Obama included net neutrality in his campaign promises, but even before the Republicans took over the House in the November elections, there was fierce resistance from Republicans and members of Obama’s own party.
FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski appears to have the votes needed — at least three out of the five commissioners — to establish the new rules under so-called “Title 1″ authority, a centrist approach that shies away from reclassifying broadband as a “Title II” communications service, a move fiercely opposed by the telecommunications industry. Still, any move to establish net neutrality rules will likely cause a political firestorm with Republicans and centrist Democrats in Congress.