Salvos in the war over net neutrality and open internet access were under the Sunroom Desk Paperweight last week, right after Glendale, California released its draft wireless facilities ordinance for review.
The second half of that sentence is not a non sequitor. Wireless providers are fighting to keep control over their networks and fee structures as they plan to build thousands more cell towers to meet the growing market for mobile broadband devices. Many towers and cell sites will likely be built in Glendale after the moratorium ends and an ordinance is in place.
Where will new cell sites be placed? Now is the time for Glendale citizens to voice their concerns about that question. Read the draft ordinance and attend one of the upcoming community meetings.
How will fee structures, wireline vs. wireless services, and access to the internet change in the future? As with the National Broadband Plan, the FCC is now soliciting comments on its proposed rules. Read up on this complicated but critical communications policy issue. The terms of citizens’ future access to internet services are at stake.
The FCC says open internet rules are critical for the free flow of information. Telecom carriers say the FCC’s rules are actually the first step in government control over the internet. Google, Yahoo, Facebook and others want unlimited access to customers through carriers that in some instances are their competitors.
Citizens are left to sort out the reality from the rhetoric:
US Rep Barton Asks FCC To Stop Vote On Open Internet Rule – Dow Jones Newswire, October 20, 2009, describes Barton’s concerns that the rules could “retard the deployment” of mobile Internet.
Amazon, Facebook, and Google back FCC on Net neutrality – CNET, October 20, 2009, says these companies’ CEOs applaud the FCC’s proposed rules as encouraging innovation and a “more competitive and efficient marketplace.”
Comcast CEO Brian Roberts: On Cable, Twitter, And Net Neutrality – Silicon Alley Insider, October 20, 2009, Notes on Roberts’ industry talk include insights into changes in the industry and his opinion that “net neutrality is a solution seeking a problem.”
New BFFs Verizon, Google agree on net neutrality, except for wireless – Washington Post, October 21, 2009, highlights network management problems faced by the wireless industry under net neutrality rules.
FCC sets Internet regulation in motion – CNET, October 22, 2009, suggests by its title this is the first step in government regulation of internet access, but also reports that one commissioner doesn’t believe the FCC has the legal authority to impose such rules. This article also admits open internet rules will have a greater and more disadvantageous effect on wireless services.
Verizon CEO Slams FCC on Net Neutrality, Wall Street Journal, October 22, 2009, reports his belief that the FCC rules would favor internet companies like Google over carriers like Verizon.
Net neutrality faces political, legal hurdles – CNET, October 24, 2009, leads with “Net neutrality supporters may be celebrating the Federal Communications Commission’s unanimous vote Thursday to begin developing open Internet regulation, but the battle is far from over as the yet-to-be-written regulation is already facing Congressional opposition and will also likely be challenged in court.”