[TriLUG] FCC may step in to pre-empt TWC like legislation

[Scott Chilcote]

On 06/12/2014 08:52 AM, matt at noway2.thruhere.net wrote:
> This article will be of interest to many on this list:
> http://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2014/06/state-laws-deprive-americans-of-broadband-internet-fcc-chairman-says/
>
> "FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler has spoken several times about how he plans to
> preempt state laws that limit municipal broadband networks. In 20 states,
> there are legal restrictions making it tough for cities and towns to offer
> Internet service to residents."
>
> "So what will the FCC do? "I believe that it is in the best interests of
> consumers and competition that the FCC exercises its power to preempt
> state laws that ban or restrict competition from community broadband.
> Given the opportunity, we will do so," Wheeler wrote."
>
> I say that one can only hope they move sooner rather than later.

The FCC's reluctance to classify broadband as Common Carrier service
gives them very weak regulatory authority over our enormous, monopolist
internet service mega-businesses. 

I find it kind of a stretch to believe that they can turn around and
claim that they are able to overrule state legislatures (and succeed),
when their last half-hearted attempt to regulate broadband as
"information services" was thrown out by the federal appeals court.

At this point the best face I can put on Mr. Tom Wheeler "Wireless
Industry Hall of Fame" lobbyist AND "Cable Television Hall of Fame"
lobbyist's assertions is that he is trying to distract the public with
false hopes...   While at the same time pushing his "Internet Fast
Lanes" regulation through to completion as aggressively as he can
manage  :-P

   Scott C.

-- 
Scott Chilcote
scottchilcote at ncrrbiz.com
Cary, NC USA