The chairman of the Federal Communications Commission argued in favor of classifying broadband as a utility. In a speech at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, Tom Wheeler suggested that a section of the law designed for utilities, known as Title II, would protect consumers best. He argued that by exempting cable companies from some rules -- such as the requirement to seek regulatory permission to raise rates -- the government could encourage investment. Jon Healey in the Los Angeles Times.
This is a reversal for Wheeler, who said one of his previous proposals was unworkable. The chairman's original plan, to allow Internet service providers to negotiate with firms to provide better service to some as long as the deals were "commercially reasonable," would not have protected consumers and entrepreneurs, he said. He also said he had begun considering Title II regulation long before President Obama argued for it in November. Brian Fung in The Washington Post.
G.O.P. lawmakers and the cable industry will try to preempt him. Republicans say they are working on legislation that addresses concerns about fairness with a less intrusive regulatory approach, while industry representatives argue Title II is outdated and would make it less profitable for cable companies to improve their networks. Tony Romm at Politico.
Net neutrality rules shouldn't take us back to the days of Ma Bell. AT&T was a monopoly created by Title II that never invested in better service and avoiding using new technology, because the company couldn't keep its profits. Andrew Kessler in The Wall Street Journal. 11/10/14.
Alan: I was happy with Ma Bell's service.
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