Net Neutrality Still on the Agenda

Accompanies 911 vote on Dec. 21 meeting

By John Eggerton -- Broadcasting & Cable, 12/14/2010 6:59:05 PM

The FCC released its agenda for the Dec. 21 public meeting and a vote on proposed network neutrality rules remains on the docket.
 
"The Commission will consider a Report and Order adopting basic rules of the road to preserve the open Internet as a platform for innovation, investment, competition, and free expression," the sunshine notice says, which is issued a week before the meeting.
 
But the item is actually second on the agenda after a vote on transitioning voice-only 911 to a broadband-enabled network.
 
Chairman Julius Genachowski has proposed expanding and clarifying network neutrality rules under Title I authority, which has gotten the qualified support of industry. He has two definite votes against in the two Republican commissioners, but at least one Democratic vote is not a lock, according to an aide,, and could depend on edits and language changes to the draft before the vote.