FCC: We Are Going With Net Neutrality

 

The FCC voted yesterday in favor of pursuing the process of reclassification of Internet Service ("the third way") that will allow it to regulate ISPs, with a goal of enforcing Net Neutrality.

FCC announcement is here.

The feedbacks from the the ISP and OTT content providers were as expected:

• Verizon - "Reclassifying high-speed broadband Internet service as a telecom service is a terrible idea .. the FCC should acknowledge that this is an issue Congress should address." (here)
    
• AT&T - it will downgrade investments - see ("AT&T Escalates Net Neutrality Political Fight" - here)
   
• Comcast - "While we remain concerned about unjustified regulation, we are encouraged that the careful balancing the Chairman promised in his public statements since first announcing a 'Third Way' has led to a rational next step as all stakeholders continue to work together to keep the Internet ecosystem growing and open" (here)
   
• Google - "broadband infrastructure is too important to be left outside of any oversight. Google, along with a dozen other tech companies, have written in support of Chairman Genachowski's proposed 'third way' as a straightforward way to protect consumers and the open Internet" - here
   
• Skype - "Skype supports quick action by the FCC and today's vote. Moving forward with a solid legal foundation is critical to promoting investment and consumer choice throughout the Internet ecosystem." - here.
  
  Skype however also prepares the alternative - see "Skype: We Will Charge 3G Calls to Ensure QoS Stays High (Net Neutrality?)" - here