Broadband internet talk heats up again over National Broadband Plan
July 22, 2009
As the Federal Communications Commission works toward developing a strategy for ensuring widespread access to broadband internet, called the National Broadband Plan, interest groups are continuing to clash over what shape the plan should take and who should decide the rules.
The clash comes down to those who say the big cable and broadband internet companies have done a fine job and government should get out of their way; and others who argue that the FCC should have a stronger hand in promoting access and controlling things like pricing.
Derek Turner, research director at the consumer group Free Press, said initial comments from the broadband internet providers are pro-deregulation and would render the broadband plan a "do-nothing plan."
On the other hand, the Progress & Freedom Foundation - a market-oriented think tank - said criticisms of the broadband internet companies have been unfair and disputed the idea that the broadband market is dominated by two or three providers and urged regulatory restraint.
While both sides of this argument favor expanded broadband access, the policy approaches are like night and day.
For broadband consumers, how this debate plays out over the coming months could have a major impact on how much they pay for access to what people increasingly consider a vital service and a public good.
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