Recently in the Internet Category

Interesting news today on AT&T's announcement of its intent to acquire T-Mobile USA and one that stands to serve consumers and small businesses well.  Small businesses need a reliable and dependable network to conduct businesses and, as indicated in its Economic Blueprint (www.wipp.org), greater accessibility and affordability.  Mobile usage is growing rapidly, but frankly, as technology and the use of the internet evolve, growth is only in its early stages -  we can only speculate on the resources needed to satisfy consumer demand.  I'm hoping to see AT&T's commitment to an expanded 4G network and increased accessibility come to fruition with this acquisition.

A little over a week ago, we touched on the Federal Communications Commission's pursuit of net neutrality regulation and questioned the need of regulation for "regulation's sake." At the time of our blog, we did not have concrete statements from the Commission - just speculation from credible media sources, however, much of our concerns and questions were and still are about how potential regulations could impact wireless technology and innovation. 

Yesterday, we got some clarification regarding some of the substance of the proposed net neutrality regulation order. In a press conference, Chairman Genachowski outlined what his vision is for net neutrality regulatory policy. 

In his speech, he detailed a proposal that would preserve the original net neutrality framework's four principles as applied to wired broadband.  The rules for wireless broadband, an area of previous concern, are different because as the Commissioner acknowledged in his speech - there are differences between fixed and mobile broadband and mobile is at an earlier development stage.  Additionally, the draft order would include a transparency requirement so that consumers and innovators have the information they need for decision-making - a requirement that we have been in support of as long as it is applied equally to all actors in the Internet ecosystem.

Overall, there was a lot to be cautiously optimistic about based on Chairman Genachowski's statements.  We believe this proposal, based on our understanding of the content thus far, provides a workable policy framework that is very similar to Representative Waxman's proposed legislation.  Moreover, because we still feel that Congress should take action and be involved in the discussion, we appreciate Chairman Genachowski's statement affirming that this policy does not preclude congressional action and he would "welcome the opportunity for the Commission to serve as a resource to Congress [on an update to the Communications Act]."

There is expected to be a lot more information about the net neutrality proposal as more details leak out over the next few weeks and as the Commission works to prepare a final draft order for its December 21st meeting.  We will remain committed to the process and hope that final draft is an accurate reflection of what we heard yesterday so that in the coming year, our nation's policymakers can return their attention to broadband deployment and adoption efforts and economic growth and job creation policies.

Recent media reports indicate that the Commission is planning to continue to vigorously pursue net neutrality and wireless regulation - two pursuits that would have the effect of stifling business growth and job creation when it is needed most. One of the messages the voters gave in the recent election was that they want less government intervention and more common sense policies. It seems to me that more regulation by the FCC with respect to wireless devices and management of networks is fixing a problem that does not exist. 

Regulation for "regulation's sake" often results in unintended consequences and ends up stifling innovation rather than fostering it. This is the area where small businesses play - they are innovators. But they are also users. A recent study by the SBA Office of Advocacy, "The Impact of Broadband Speed and Price on Small Business" shows that 90% of all small businesses depend on internet technology to run their business.

Just this past week we sponsored an event in Dallas, TX, and devoted considerable time to emerging wireless technologies in the health care sector with the conference attendees. Frankly, health care is just one of the sectors touched by innovation in the wireless industry. Whether its health care, energy, the environment, or countless other sectors - wireless technology will play a key role in growth and therefore in job creation. Now is not the time to slow or inhibit progress with needless regulation.

Given the enormous economic consequences of changing regulations affecting the telecommunications sector, it seems prudent to involve the Congress in this debate. Earlier this year, Chair Waxman began to build a consensus around the areas that the FCC is proposing to take action which we welcome. One thing is abundantly clear--we must see all proposed changes in the light of its effect on our economy, the business community and ultimately, jobs. 

The FCC and Congress should do all that it can to promote job creation by pursuing policies that enable wired and wireless internet to grow, thrive, and innovate.

For more information, visit www.wipp.org.     

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.