News

WASHINGTON — According to data released today by the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), at the end of 2007 the United States ranked 15th out of the 30 member nations in broadband penetration — down from 12th place in 2006, and continuing its slide from fourth place in 2001.

WASHINGTON — The Max Planck Institute in Germany released a study today showing that both Comcast and Cox Communications are blocking Web traffic over their networks throughout all hours of the day.

WASHINGTON — In a near-unanimous voice vote tonight, the Senate passed a “resolution of disapproval” that would nullify the Federal Communications Commission’s latest attempt to dismantle longstanding media ownership limits.

WASHINGTON — The Consumer Federation of America, Consumers Union and Free Press are urging the Federal Communications Commission to reject the proposed XM-Sirius merger.

WASHINGTON — Comcast, the nation’s largest cable company, is reportedly considering imposing a monthly cap on its customers’ Internet usage.

WASHINGTON — Today, House Judiciary Committee Chairman John Conyers (D-Mich.) and Rep. Zoe Lofgren (D-Calif.) introduced the “Internet Freedom and Nondiscrimination Act of 2008” (H.R. 5994) — a bill that would help protect the free and open Internet.

WASHINGTON — In testimony before the House Subcommittee on Telecommunications and the Internet, Free Press Policy Director Ben Scott urged lawmakers to protect consumers from Internet blocking by telephone and cable companies.

MINNEAPOLIS — On June 6-8, a broad array of policymakers, scholars, media producers, grassroots activists and concerned citizens will gather in Minneapolis for the 2008 National Conference for Media Reform.

WASHINGTON — Today, the Senate Commerce Committee passed a “resolution of disapproval” that would veto the Federal Communications Commission’s latest attempt to dismantle longstanding media ownership limits.

WASHINGTON — According to numerous press reports, Rupert Murdoch’s News Corp. is close to completing a $580 million deal to purchase the Long Island daily Newsday from Tribune Company.