News

WASHINGTON — Today, six consumer and public interest groups sent a letter to FCC Chair Julius Genachowski presenting a list of priorities for policy changes in broadband data collection. The letter calls for the completion of an open proceeding that would expand collection of broadband availability data and for the coordination of data-collection efforts between the NTIA broadband grant programs and the FCC.

WASHINGTON — Today, Reps. Edward Markey (D-Mass.) and Anna Eshoo (D-Calif.) introduced the Internet Freedom Preservation Act of 2009 (H.R. 3458). This landmark legislation would protect Network Neutrality under the Communications Act, safeguarding the future of the open Internet and protecting Internet users from discrimination online.

WASHINGTON — Today, Free Press filed reply comments with the Federal Communications Commission regarding the national broadband plan. The filing offers evidence that refutes many incumbents’ calls for continued deregulation and efforts to deter public interest action by the FCC.

WASHINGTON — Today, in an attempt to curb mounting pressure from Congress and the Justice Department over exclusive handset deals, Verizon Wireless sent a letter to members of Congress announcing that it will limit exclusive deals to six months but only for the smallest carriers that do not pose major competitive threats.

WASHINGTON — Today, Sen. Al Franken (D-Minn.) asked about the importance of Network Neutrality and the future of the open Internet during the Senate confirmation hearing for Supreme Court nominee Sonia Sotomayor.

WASHINGTON — Today, the Senate held a confirmation hearing for FCC commission nominees Mignon Clyburn and Meredith Attwell Baker.

WASHINGTON — Today, Free Press and five other consumer groups filed comments with the Federal Communications Commission for the agency’s annual report on competition in the wireless market.

WASHINGTON — At the first meeting of the Federal Communications Commission under Julius Genachowski, the new chairman pledged a “process for public participation that will be unparalleled for this agency” in crafting a national broadband strategy.

WASHINGTON – The National Telecommunications Information Administration, along with the Rural Utilities Service, today unveiled grant guidelines for the $7.2 billion allocated for broadband deployment in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, signed into law by President Barack Obama in February.

WASHINGTON — Today, the Senate confirmed Julius Genachowski as the new chair of the Federal Communications Commission.