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FCC proposes new net neutrality measures
2014-02-20 08:49:00| Telecompaper Headlines
(Telecompaper) The US FCC has opened a public consultation on possible action in response to the recent court ruling that struck down its net neutrality rules. In January, a federal court upheld an appeal from Verizon against the FCC's Open Internet Order, adopted in 2010 to ensure that broadband providers do not block or unreasonably discriminate against certain traffic on their networks. The FCC said it has decided to not appeal the court ruling and instead pursue new rules within its regulatory powers. This includes notably enhancing and enforcing its 'transparency rule'. This element of the Open Internet Order was upheld by the court and requires operators to disclose how they manage traffic on their networks. In addition, the FCC will consider how it can meet the goals of the other main element of the Open Internet Order, no blocking of specific traffic, for which the court said the regulator did not provide sufficient legal backing. The regulator also sees room under its existing powers, notably Section 106 of the Communications Act that mandates the FCC to promote broadband access and remove barriers to infrastructure development and competition, that may allow it to set legal standards for non-discrimination. The FCC also held out the possibility of acting on its so-called Title II authority under the Communications Act. This could see internet access reclassified as a telecommunications service, allowing the FCC to impose stricter regulations on ISPs.
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Category:Telecommunications