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.
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