FCC Praised for Continued Call for Comments

WIPP, NBCSL among groups weighing in

By John Eggerton -- Broadcasting & Cable, 9/3/2010 1:38:00 PM

Groups looking to dissuade the FCC from moving quickly on Title II reclassification or codifying/expanding its network neutrality principles continued to weigh in with shout-outs for the FCC's decision to call for more comments on wireless broadband and specialized services.

"I believe that the FCC's recent decision to take additional comments regarding broadband in America will help to ensure a more informed process moving forward," said Calvin Smyre, president of the National Black Caucus of State Legislators. "A fact-based discussion on these difficult, yet critical issues will bring us closer to ensuring an open, universal Internet for the future."

Business group Women Impacting Public Policy, whose partners include Women in Cable Telecommunications, Verizon and AT&T, also praised the FCC's move as one that would provide more clarity and common ground, saying "We are hopeful that this process will yield a regulatory foundation that ensures that innovation, investment and job creation can continue."

The cable and telco industry's chief knock on Title II is that it would discourage investment and innovation in broadband.

Another business group, the National Black Chamber of Commerce said the FCC was right to proceed with caution. It said that the "rush to impose new proposed rules would undermine the Administration's goal of universal broadband."

"A consensus plan based on the input of a variety of players in the technology industry on both sides of this debate would be a win for small, minority businesses and consumers alike," said NBCC President Harry Alford in a statement.

Ditto Arts+Labs, a group promoting Internet innovation and creativity with the help of backing from AT&T, Verizon, NBCU, and Viacom. "There is no need to impose hasty and burdensome regulations that may unintentionally create consumer harm where none previously existed," said Arts + Labs CO-Chair Mike McCurry. "Arts+Labs hopes the FCC will continue to listen to public input and carefully consider the potential unintended consequences of flawed, restrictive rules to consumers, creators and providers."

A senior FCC official told B&C that "securing a solid legal foundation for broadband policy is too important an issue to rush."