There’s an important new study out that offers some historical analysis of spectrum auctions and how they can best be fashioned to benefit the economy and consumers . The study, by Georgetown University’s Center for Business and Public Policy visiting senior policy scholar... Read The Story...

Today I hosted a roundtable discussion with consumer and non-profit groups, the topic of which was policies that impact broadband and consumers with guest speaker Paul Glenchur, Senior Telecommunications-Cable Analyst with the Potomac Research Group.

Paul discussed one significant issue: the FCC’s proposal to reclassify broadband as a telecommunications service under Title II of the Telecommunications Act.  It was quite interesting to learn about the history of the regulatory treatment of broadband services, and to understand the impact of the recent Comcast Court decision that ruled that the FCC does not have jurisdiction in the regulation of broadband.  While the FCC is trying to figure out how to implement parts of the National Broadband Plan released this March, it also needs to consider all the parties that are impacted by any change in the regulatory treatment of broadband.   Congress has weighed in on this and a bipartisan majority of Members have told the FCC not to move forward with plans to reclassify broadband as a telecommunications service.

We discussed the current conversations that the FCC is conducting with various interested parties, attempting to reach some resolution that might thoughtfully address concerns.  Paul shared his thoughts that the FCC needs to make a meaningful attempt to negotiate an agreement about reclassification before releasing an order.  This is an important issue with serious implications for investment, competition, innovation, and of course, consumers.

Consumers will be most affected by reclassification because of changes in investment, competition and innovation. Many people argue that providers will be less likely to put funds into innovation if broadband is reclassified. Lack of investment in innovation could lead to fewer jobs and possibly even higher costs for consumers. Members of Congress argue that they were elected to represent the people – and should be able to represent their constituents in this debate so as to make sure that the consumers voice is best heard.

On Tuesday, I attended a US Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation hearing on Consumer Online Privacy. It’s clear that the most important element of helping consumers is education and awareness about online privacy.

Following the hearing, new reports confirmed that Senator Kerry will introduce privacy legislation in addition to the two privacy bills already introduced in the House of Representatives.

Click here to visit the Committee’s website and view more information on the hearing.

On Tuesday, I spoke at the Dialogue on Diversity conference on Entrepreneurship and Information Technology.  The conference, “Shining Light on a Networked World: Innovative Technology – Privacy and Consumer Rights,” was attended by a host of small business owners, and the panel I participated on focused on the “Perils for Privacy.”

I offered three points during my presentation: 1) Privacy is important for all users of the Internet; 2) There are several ways to help consumers address their online privacy concerns; and 3) Currently, there is activity in Congress and the federal agencies regarding online privacy and other consumer issues. Also discussed were consumer options to address online privacy, including  education and awareness, online privacy tools (privacy settings on sites) and industry tools.

As part of my overview of Congressional activity, I summarized the two legislative responses to the issue of online privacy: a draft bill circulated by sponsors Representatives Boucher (D-VA) and Stearns (R-FL) and a bill introduced by Representative Rush (D-IL).  Additionally, the FTC is actively involved in both the enforcement of privacy laws and consumer education efforts.

The National Broadband Plan, released by the Federal Communications Commission in March, includes recommendations in Chapter 4 on privacy protections and is an important document focused on broadband access and adoption, particularly for underserved populations (minorities, older individuals, non-English speaking, and disabled). The plan clearly set forth privacy as one of the FCC’s priorities for the coming years during the implementation of the Plan.

While privacy is of chief concern from a consumer perspective, there is also an important debate going on Capitol Hill about the authority of the FCC to regulate broadband services and the level of regulation needed for broadband. During my remarks on the panel, I discussed the bipartisan majority in Congress that has called for a legislative approach, rather than the FCC imposing new regulations that could stifle investment, innovation, and competition. During the discussion I noted that I concur with a sizeable number of minority organizations, such as the NAACP, Labor Council for Latin American Advancement, and the Japanese American Citizens League who have sent letters urging that Congress, not the FCC, address the issue of the broadband plan’s implementation and the appropriate level of regulation for broadband.  Click here to view my letter to the Hill on this issue.

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Consumer Resources

Below are additional resources to more information about online privacy.

Consumer Guide to Online Privacy (PDF)
What is 4G Wireless Service? (PDF)
Consumer Online Privacy Survey
2008 Online Safety Survey
bNetS@vvy
www.onguardonline.gov
www.ikeepsafe.org/
www.getnetwise.org
www.fosi.org
www.enough.org

Other Organizations

National Caucus and Center on Black Aged:
http://www.ncba-aged.org/

National Consumers League:
http://www.nclnet.org/