Clyburn Supports Network Neutrality Vote

Chairman has his three votes

By John Eggerton -- Broadcasting & Cable, 12/20/2010 4:28:54 PM

Add Democratic FCC Commissioner Mignon Clyburn to the 'yes' column for FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski's network neutrality item bring put to a vote Tuesday.

She issued a statement Monday, not long after her fellow Democrat Michael Copps said he would not block the order, though he said he could not wholeheartedly support it.

Clyburn had already praised the draft while saying it still needed some work.

"The Commission has worked tirelessly to offer a set of guidelines that, while not as strong as they could be, will nonetheless protect consumers as they explore, learn, and innovate online. As such, I plan to vote to approve in part and concur in part the Open Internet Order during the FCC's open meeting tomorrow."

That gives the chairman the three votes he needs to approve the new rules, which expand and codify its network openness principles.