Senator Al Franken Accuses AT&T of "Skirting" Net Neutrality Rules

McGruber writes In a letter to the U.S. Federal Communication Commission and the Department of Justice, Senator Al Franken warned that letting AT&T acquire Direct TV could turn AT&T into a gatekeeper to the mobile Internet. Franken also complained that AT&T took inappropriate steps to block Internet applications like Google Voice and Skype: "AT&T has a history of skirting the spirit, and perhaps the letter' of the government's rules on net neutrality, Franken wrote."

Comments

verizon, comcast?

[steak]

why not go after the worst offenders?

Franken/Warren (or Warren/Franken) 2016!

[disposable60]

They'd make quite a team, and the debates might finally be watchable.

Re:Franken/Warren (or Warren/Franken) 2016!

[phantomfive]

I think the point is, if you want someone who will be a good leader, don't choose the one who lied on her resume. That probably would have been a good idea around when Bush was running, too

Re: No Funding for you then.

[Tailhook]

Maybe he should send all that Microsoft, Honeywell, Comcast, Time Warner, Medtronic, Bain Capital, UnitedHealth and Nextera money back then, since candidates in podunk Mr. Rogers Minnesota don't really need it.

Didn't think so.

because: Republicans

[globaljustin]

"why not go after the worst offenders?"

"go after" means the Federal Government to **enforce** laws or pass new ones

Republicans block every effort to pass new Net Neutrality laws or enforce currenet ones

> enforcement: GOP excuse: "can't...no money to do it...we got us a budget crisis b/c of government spending"
> pass new laws: GOP excuse: "can't...new laws are 'regulation' and that's bad for business and jobs"

So the answer to "why not go after..." is simply BECAUSE REPUBLICANS

if you disagree...you must contradict my dual thesis...policy and laws exist and we enforce them...Republicans and Democrats control that...on both issues my thesis is that Democrats want to "go after verizon, comcast" and that Republicans oppose such actions by vote and by administrative decisions....you must show Republicans who advocate for both Net Neutrality AND increased enforcement/regulation on big teleco's specifically if you want to have a discussion

Re:because: Republicans

[qeveren]

No fan of the Republicans here, but enforcement is the Executive Branch's bailiwick. :/

Re:because: Republicans

[operagost]

Sure, let's ignore the two years when the Ds controlled both houses and the Presidency, yet nothing changed.

Sure, let's ignore the fact that the Senate is still controlled by Ds.

Sure, let's ignore the fact that the White House is still occupied by a D, who has executive power on the regulatory department capable of making some of the changes.

I'm sure it's all because of one party, and if we just eliminate that party, the Democrats will fix everything. Don't think of it as one-party rule, think of it as one fewer party.

Thanks Al The bravest Senator of them all.

[__aanbvm4272]

I have to appreciate the Senator going off on what could be a win for us. Although huge corporations have the lobbyists behind them Al Franken only has us. And I sure love the guy, crying out loud for the little consumer getting raked over the coals. Thanks Al Franken Go get 'em!. I wish you all the support you'll need.

Re:Al Franken?

[SuiteSisterMary]

Don't forget, he was a noted political pundit/analyst as well. He just decided to put his money where his mouth was. Tell Ann Coulter to run for congress or the senate, and see what happens.