FCC to Delay Net Neutrality Decision Until After Political Elections
Written by Jeffrey Neu   

Reuters as reported "U.S. communications regulators on Wednesday put off a controversial decision on Internet traffic rules, giving industry and consumer groups a chance to forge a compromise while avoiding a politically sensitive issue ahead of the November elections."

There has been a lot of talk and commotion about this issue.  Dailytech states the following "The FCC has hosted many talks with companies like Verizon, AT&T, and Google but so far no set plans have come from those meetings.  FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski has delayed making a decision on how or if the internet will be regulated and is seeking an additional 55-day period of public comment. Reuters quotes Genachowski stating, "We have made progress over the last year -- but we still have work to do."

Yest, apparently Ars Technica states the following "Earlier this week, a research note from analysts at Stifel Nicolaus suggested that a group of private companies had reached "general agreement" on a private network neutrality agreement after FCC-brokered industry talks failed to reach consensus. The companies, including Verizon, Skype, AT&T, Microsoft, and the cable lobby, have been meeting at the offices of the Information Technology Industry Council in Washington, but they have yet to reach a deal.

Two sources tell Ars off the record that the Stifel Nicolaus note was too strong; no agreement has yet been reached, and the parties haven't met for more than a week. The companies do share some similar views on many issues surrounding network management, which is what led them to talk in the first place, but more discussion is necessary and no formal documents have yet been prepared."

While we are not at liberty to make comments as to our clients strategy and decision making process, the reporting seems to be a bit all over the place.  This comment from DailyTech is more likely: "Analysts don't expect the FCC to make any proposals for regulation in its September 23 meeting nor are any drafts expected at the October meeting of the FCC. Analyst Rebecca Arbogast from Nicolaus Stifel said, 'The chairman could cite progress in the industry talks as grounds for delaying circulating a draft order, and postpone a decision until after the election.'"

We are regularly participating with our clients on this debate.  If you need assistance, feel free to contact us.

 

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