Net neutrality and universal broadband major focus at CES
After a Q&A conducted by Consumer Electronics Assn. CEO Gary Shapiro, nearly every blogger and attendee agreed that FCC chairman Julius Genachowski wasn't very forthcoming about his views on hot button tech policy issues. Considering that many of those watching had a vested interest in how those issues shake out, it's not shocking that there was a certain degree of frustration -- yet very little surprise -- at Chairman Genachowski's lack of firm rhetoric.
Despite his non-committal stance, issues like net neutrality and universal broadband were widely discussed in several CES panels. As we previously mentioned, many innovations with today's tech devices involve their connectivity to the Internet, and so greater access to the web leads to a larger consumer base for many companies.
Larry Downes, fellow at the Stanford Law School Center for Internet and Society who attended CES, wrote a piece for CNET arguing that the Obama Administration would begin backing away from net neutrality regulation:
The Obama administration and its allies at the Federal Communications Commission are retreating from a militant version of Net neutrality regulations first outlined by FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski in September.
That's my reading of a number of recent developments, underscored by comments made by government speakers on a panel on the first day of a Tech Policy Summit at CES in Las Vegas.
Indeed, 72 congressional Democrats signed a letter opposing the FCC's proposed rules soon after they were announced. But Downes also claims that net neutrality is taking a back seat to a bigger issue: universal broadband.
With nearly 35% of the US population not having reliable access to broadband, it puts us well behind some other developed nations, and Genachowski recognized this disadvantage during his Q&A:
Responding to Shapiro's concerns, Chairman Genachowski said that the FCC has developed a system guaranteeing an "open pipe" focused on enhancing a broadband free market. He called the plan "aspirational and inspirational but pragmatic." He said the FCC's regulatory role in the future of broadband will be a "hardheaded" focus on reining in "economic forces that drive toward less competition."
Genachowski placed particular emphasis on transparency in the FCC's role, and in assuring the broad availability of information oo [sic] who is using broadband Internet access for what purposes. "Sunshine can be a great disinfectant," he said, "empowering consumers with information that can promote competition and reduce the possibility of the government getting involved."
The FCC will reportedly issue its strategy for achieving universal broadband in March. It's an agenda that consumers, companies and other government agencies are eagerly awaiting.