The FCC unveiled its six network neutrality rules today, along with a pair of gaping exceptions. But does the agency even have the authority to regulate the ‘Net? The Republicans and the EFF both say no.
As expected, the FCC laid out its draft network neutrality rules at an open meeting today. Despite the partial dissent of the two Republican commissioners, the pro-neutrality faction has won a major rhetorical battle; even its toughest opponents sing the praises of a « free and open Internet. » […]
Exceptional rules […]
There’s nothing new here? […]
Whatever one thinks of the draft rules, it remains encouraging to see the FCC doing things the « right way. » Under predecessor Kevin Martin, a « Notice of Proposed Rulemaking » might be issued without containing the actual draft text of the rule—a fact that several commissioners noted. And Genachowski has the FCC blogging (even liveblogging the meeting), is overhauling the agency website, and has ditched the horrible RealPlayer streaming setup in favor of Flash video that actually works the first time. Kudos.
http://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/news/2009/10/fcc-proposes-network-neutrality-rules-and-big-exemptions.ars