News

WASHINGTON – In a House Appropriations Committee hearing Wednesday, Federal Communications Commission Chairman Julius Genachowski was questioned about the agency’s authority over broadband, and it was suggested that the FCC wait for Congress to pass a law outlining its oversight powers.

WASHINGTON – In response to today’s announcement that an industry group had formed to examine network management practices, Free Press Policy Counsel M. Chris Riley made the following statement:

WASHINGTON — Today, Free Press released a new issue brief that sets the record straight on the Federal Communications Commission’s move to modernize its broadband policy framework.

WASHINGTON — Free Press voiced support today for proposed efforts by the Federal Communications Commission to reform its own system for independent presentations, known as the ex parte process.

WASHINGTON – The Federal Communications Commission announced today it will hold a public workshop on the proposed Comcast-NBC Universal merger. The workshop will be held July 13 in Chicago, and FCC Commissioners Mignon Clyburn and Michael Copps are expected to attend.

WASHINGTON – AT&T today announced it will end its unlimited data plans in favor of a tiered pricing system. The announcement comes at a time when the company’s investments as a percentage of its revenues are steadily declining, indicating that AT&T is choosing to manage scarcity and ration its network, rather than build to meet users’ needs.

WASHINGTON – On a call with bloggers Tuesday, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) affirmed her support for Net Neutrality, universal broadband access and “reclassification” that would restore Federal Communications Commission authority over Internet service providers.

WASHINGTON – The House Judiciary Committee today announced it will hold a public hearing on the proposed Comcast-NBC Universal merger on Monday, June 7 at 9 a.m. at The Donald P. Loker Conference Center, 700 Exposition Park Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90037. The public is encouraged to attend the hearing.

WASHINGTON – Free Press responded today to the circulation on Capitol Hill of several letters written by the phone and cable industry and signed by members of Congress that express opposition to the Federal Communications Commission’s proposal for light-touch oversight of Internet providers.

WASHINGTON – The Federal Communications Commission released the agenda for its June 17, 2010, open meeting, which will focus on how the FCC should set rules for broadband Internet services. Free Press Research Director S. Derek Turner said: