Technology Slice Blog

Net Neutrality Pros and Cons - The Federal Communications Committee [FCC] has just passed net neutrality rules, which are meant to be designed to protect internet freedom and openness. For many this would seem like a solution to try and fix a problem that does not even exist. In reality it could even end up slowing down the progress of innovative ideas coming to fruit. Several Congressmen are already on the war path, with mentions of the 1996 Congressional Review Act [CRA] coming into play, in an effort to fight the FCC’s plans. The CRA will give Congress an opportunity to repeal the FCC regulations if required. Michigan Republican Rep. Fred Upton said “The FCC’s hostile actions toward innovation, investment and job creation cannot be allowed to stand.” Upton went on to say “Today’s vote is a sad commentary that this administration and the FCC continue to ignore the will of the American people – our new majority is committed to protecting personal liberty and reducing the size ...

Net Neutrality Regulation - The US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is today expected to formally approve controversial new rules on how internet users access content such as YouTube and Skype. Dubbed by one US senator as "the most important free speech issue of our time", the rules drawn up by the country's media and telecoms regulator would effectively create two levels of internet access – one delivered by traditional fixed-line broadband, and another by wireless and mobile providers. FCC members Michael Copps and Mignon Clyburn last night said they would support the proposal laid out by chairman Julius Genachowski. The five-member FCC panel is expected to approve the proposal in Washington later today. Net Neutrality Regulation Fixed-line internet providers will be prevented from blocking content and online services from rival companies or providing preferential treatment to paying clients under the new rules. However, the new framework would allow m...