Unfiltered

The FCC said it will begin “an open, public process” starting with its June 17 meeting to consider new ways of regulating broadband service providers. The meeting notice (posted here as a PDF) will consider public comment on leaving broadband regulation “as is,” reclassifying broadband as a regulated telecommunications service or moving to a “third way” that would create a new regulatory framework for broadband Internet service.

According to the FCC meeting notice:

[The] Framework for Broadband Internet Service NOI [is] aA Notice of Inquiry to begin an open, public process to consider possible legal frameworks for broadband Internet services in order to promote innovation and investment, protect and empower consumers, and bring the benefits of broadband to all Americans.

Connected Planet’s take,
Joan Engebretson:

The announcement is a reminder that the “third way” proposal that has generated so much controversy is the vision of FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski, rather than a consensus plan. The notice of inquiry will be an opportunity to vent for opponents of broadband regulation and the third way, including telcos and cable companies.

Expect to hear commentary from them about how the third way’s plan to only enforce certain aspects of Title II regulation in the broadband domain will be unworkable. We’ll also likely hear the usual arguments about how Title II regulation was designed for a different era. And we may see opponents arguing that if the FCC is going to advocate Net neutrality, it also should be advocating search neutrality.

That’s our take on this. Let us know what you think in the comments section below:

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