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FCC Chair Pushes to Regulate ISPs

Proposal might amount to net neutrality order

By Kevin Spak,  Newser Staff

Posted Dec 1, 2010 11:27 AM CST

(Newser) – FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski is making yet another valiant stab at introducing net neutrality or something like it today. In a speech today, Genachowski will propose a new regulatory framework that would forbid Internet broadband providers from blocking lawful content, the New York Times reports. The rules would also allow providers to charge different rates for different levels of service, and to manage traffic to limit congestion or harmful traffic.

The telecom industry has been buzzing about the plan for weeks, Politico reports, but the details are still vague, and it’s unclear if it’ll amount to a full order for net neutrality. House Republicans have already attacked the plan, with one Tennessee lawmaker calling it a “hysterical reaction to a hypothetical problem.” But Genachowski argues that history has already shown that broadband companies will try to leverage their position as gatekeepers unless regulated.

In this Nov. 24, 2009 file photo, Federal Communications Commission Chairman Julius Genachowski speaks at the University of Arkansas Clinton School of Public Service in Little Rock, Ark.
In this Nov. 24, 2009 file photo, Federal Communications Commission Chairman Julius Genachowski speaks at the University of Arkansas Clinton School of Public Service in Little Rock, Ark.   (AP Photo/Danny Johnston, File)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 17 comments
Ivan
Dec 6, 2010 2:15 PM CST
coming up next... 10 cent charge for page refresh! Brought to you by Federal C()%t cakes
Proletariat
Dec 1, 2010 3:12 PM CST
December is the last chance they have at doing anything, next congress has the republicans axing any and all regulation that keeps the monopolies known as isps from gouging us.
Dewser
Dec 1, 2010 12:00 PM CST
hypothetical ? Comcast is about to charge extra for people who use netflix streaming...
 

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