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Supreme Court Takes Broadband Regulation Case
Grotius writes "Reuters reported that the Supreme Court will hear a broadband regulation case that may determine whether FCC regulations apply to cable companies providing broadband services. This case is significant because the Court could determine that cable-based broadband is a 'telecommunications service' subject to FCC rules such as those requiring cable-companies to allow access to independent internet providers. The 9th Circuit has already held that FCC regulations apply to cable-companies providing broadband."
Do FCC regulations apply to my toaster?
If your toaster radiates an electric field that could disrupt communications within a 6 inch radius, then yes, I wouldn't be surprised if the FCC chose to exercise supreme dominion over that.
Competition is good, but the FCC has shown that once it starts adding regulations, they don't know when to stop.
Then again, maybe they can get an 'Internet driver's license' regulation passed.
Q1: Do you want to buy a cheap Rolex?
A: Yes
Score: You failed. Please return your computer and cancel your AOL subscription.
As near as I can tell from TFA (which is notably sparse on details), the FCC doesn't want to be involved. Which seems to lead to only two possible conclusions: either the FCC should regulate broadband, or the FCC is right. And since I can't imagine that either of those statements is true, I'm really not sure what to think!
:)
Of course, having lived with American politics all my life, I can't say that being faced with two unacceptable choices is a new experience....
So far as I knew, CALEA does -not- currently apply to broadband providers, this link from the EFF would seem to indicate the same.
It would seem rather pointless to be "objecting" to something which has already happened...
To fight the war on terror, stop being afraid.
Breaking the Ma Bell was good for america, the arguement would hold water here as well. Smaller operators would face what DSL providers face now. Which is poor service that the Babybells pass the buck on, danger of upstream providers i.e. the cable companies sniping their customers like they phone companies do now with DSL customers. Eventual buy outs from the cable companies as the startups work out the bugs in new tech and then get bought up. Cycle of life stuff. All wonderful from my point of view.
Sorry about the writing. Robot fingers, you know? Cliff Steele in DOOM PATROL #23
It's mostly a matter of style and case design. For example, if your toaster has a broad band on it you may come under FCC regulations. If you paint the toaster a solid color you shouldn't have any problems with compliance.
The higher the technology, the sharper that two-edged sword.