Recently in the Internet Category

Today AT&T announced new lower-priced wireless data plans. For quite some time now WIPP has suggested that tiered pricing and solutions are a way to make the internet more affordable, accessible, and easier to manage.   Happily, this announcement answers our requests. With tiered pricing, customers can pick a data plan that meets their needs and we will all enjoy a faster and more affordable network.  

Small businesses use their smart phones extensively for business and to keep in contact with their employees, clients, and families - and they want to be assured of reliable networks. With this announcement, they can now pick a new data plan that meets their needs and be assured of a well managed network. We've know for some time that there is no such thing as "one size fits all" - not with the internet - it just doesn't work. Choice, access and affordability is what we need and what we've repeatedly asked for, and now we have it. Everyone will have the opportunity to select the type of service that they need. 

Bravo, AT&T!   

The FCC is seeking to regulate Internet service providers in an attempt to maximize broadband deployment and create regulations that would force broadband service providers to treat all applications equally over their networks.   I don't understand the logic. This is a political decision not a business decision, and one that is going to ensure that lawyers get rich, that full broadband deployment will not succeed, and that networks will become more expensive, overcrowded and slow. 

If we want full broadband deployment, then private investment and innovation must be encouraged; if we want expanded consumer use, then well-managed networks and competitive pricing must be the hallmark; if we want to be more globally competitive and create jobs, then we need to have the Internet that we can all count on - not one that is mired in regulation.

On Tuesday, April 27, 2010, Susan Walthall, Acting Chief Counsel of the Office of Advocacy of the SBA testified before the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship on "Connecting Main Street to the World:  Federal Efforts to Expand Small Business Internet Access.      
 
According to Ms. Walthall, federal efforts to expand small business Internet access should focus on the challenges faced by small business providers. The most pressing concerns for the small business providers are special access and acquisition of spectrum.  Special access refers to the increased price imposed on smaller operators requiring cross connectivity. Spectrum acquisition refers to the process of acquiring broadband spectrum, which is the continuum on which a signaling method handles frequencies. Currently, the FCC has rules in place with who can participate in the auction process.
 
The SBA is currently conducting a study to evaluate the broadband options available to small businesses.  The results of this upcoming study will be geographically specific and include details about underserved areas and service ability.  Ms. Walthall recommends that the FCC amend the rules to allow greater small business involvement in the telecommunications industry.    
 
Because there are few alternative options available, small businesses are forced to pay a higher price for access. This limits small business growth, and renders a business unable to compete in a global market.  Additionally, small businesses should have the ability to be involved with the spectrum auction process.  There is limited spectrum that is available for purchase as is. By allowing small businesses to participate in the auction process, this will reduce prices and expand service beyond what is currently available.
 
To watch a video of the Committee Hearing, please click here.

In a recent blog on theHill.com Kim Hart reported that "Amazon wants the FCC to let Internet service providers speed up some traffic to consumers as long as other content is not harmed in the process." WIPP has blogged frequently over the past three years on this issue and couldn't agree more.

Job creation is a priority today and unequivocally small businesses are at the core and ready to change the economic landscape in America. They can grow their businesses and they can grow jobs - but only if they are allowed the flexibility, the dependability and the reliability of the internet. No one wants to hurt content or services - but with the excessive and extraordinary demand on the networks with video streaming, the dependability and reliability of the networks are at stake. The service providers must be allowed to manage their networks - and small business owners, who extensively use the internet to manage their businesses, must be allowed to choose a service level that supports their growth.

Click here to read the full story.