http://www.wired.com/2015/02/fcc-chairman-wheeler-net-neutrality/
Originally, I believed that the FCC could assure internet openness through a determination of “commercial reasonableness” under Section 706 of the Telecommunications Act of 1996. While a recent court decision seemed to draw a roadmap for using this approach, I became concerned that this relatively new concept might, down the road, be interpreted to mean what is reasonable for commercial interests, not consumers.
That is why I am proposing that the FCC use its Title II authority to implement and enforce open internet protections.
Using this authority, I am submitting to my colleagues the strongest open internet protections ever proposed by the FCC. These enforceable, bright-line rules will ban paid prioritization, and the blocking and throttling of lawful content and services. I propose to fully apply—for the first time ever—those bright-line rules to mobile broadband. My proposal assures the rights of internet users to go where they want, when they want, and the rights of innovators to introduce new products without asking anyone’s permission.
This is good news. Now it's a wait and see to see how the FCC will vote on this. The fact that he is also proposing that Title II be used to regulate Wireless Internet/Mobile is also interesting.
There won't be any last-mile unbundling with the new rules, but this is still great to hear.
Wow, I'm surprised he is also including mobile broadband. This is really some good news, and he's got the votes the pass it.
Here's an interesting article from Politico on how activism around Net Neutrality actually got Wheeler to move away from his initial weak proposal to a much stronger regulation reclassifying ISPs as utilities:
http://www.politico.com/story/2015/02/tom-wheeler-net-neutrality-114785.html
That is an interesting read. It's a good thing a lot of people were very vocal. If it were for that, Tom Wheeler would most likely gone with the fast lane approach.
Here is a link to the whole proposal:
https://www.scribd.com/doc/254702793/Wheeler-s-Net-Neutrality-Proposal
Normally I don't start conspiracy theories, but I'm actually curious and a bit concerned here. Is there any mention of Title II on anything other than "mobile broadband" in the article or the actual full proposal?
I propose to fully apply—for the first time ever—those bright-line rules to mobile broadband.
No mention of changes to wired broadband in the wired article. Only some history lesson...
To preserve incentives for broadband operators to invest in their networks, my proposal will modernize Title II, tailoring it for the 21st century, in order to provide returns necessary to construct competitive networks.
I would hate to see this as a Trojan horse proposal that ignores wired ISPs and makes it more difficult for competition in mobile broadband services and related hardware. I know it sounds wild and maybe I missed the whole point of the discussion in the first place, but any proposal coming from Tom Wheeler that gives the Tek geeks like us what we wanted all along just sounds too good to be true.
Would be nice if we could read the full proposal before the decision.
Edit: Would also like to note this...
At the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas last month, FCC chairman Tom Wheeler said cell companies have been "monumentally successful" under Title II regulations, noting they made billions in investment under that system.
From http://www.npr.org/blogs/alltechconsidered/2015/02/03/383408537/would-fcc-plan-harm-telecom-investment-even-industry-opinion-is-mixed
This makes it sound like Tom Wheeler is only going to change Title II so it is no longer a threat to ISPs and cell carriers before applying it to wired ISPs... Someone please tell me how wrong I am.
This is what I'm concerned about. So 3 of the 5 votes have committed to passing this?
Are you sure? Ars says otherwise. I'm worried about data caps, as there is no ban. Although there is a warning about data management, so if data caps are unnecessary or hurt the service they can be removed.
http://arstechnica.com/business/2015/02/dont-call-them-utility-rules-the-fccs-net-neutrality-regime-explained/
"The FCC said it would enforce the part of Title II that “ensures fair access to poles and conduits” to help new broadband providers."
He's only doing it because if he doesn't he will surely get assassinated.
i duno, im skeptical. dude use to work for the cable companies. i wonder if they are pulling a fast one over us.
The other commissioners haven't made any specific statements about this yet, but based on past votes and the fact that they are of the same party, It is very likely the other two democrats on commission will support this.
The reclassification will apply to both wired and wireless broadband.
In the last quote you have there he is referring to the fact that the voice part of cellular has been Title II since the early 90s.
if they do, it will be made obvious really quick. Its not like it was 19 years ago when internet was a lot less viral. The cable companies have been dragged out into the spotlight due to the big debates over title II and netflix wars, and time warner comcast marriage. If they goof up they will get called out.
I don't trust Satan, something about this stinks.