|
Broadband Network Management Practices | |
FCC > Network Management | site map |
|
Broadband Network Management Practices
The availability of the Internet has had a profound impact on American life. This network of networks has fundamentally changed the way we communicate. It has increased the speed of communication, the range of communicating devices and the variety of platforms over which we can send and receive information. As Congress has noted, “[t]he rapidly developing array of Internet . . . services available to individual Americans represent an extraordinary advance in the availability of educational and informational resources to our citizens.” The Internet also represents “a forum for a true diversity of political discourse, unique opportunities for cultural development, and myriad avenues for intellectual activity.” In addition, the Internet plays an important role in the economy, as an engine for productivity growth and cost savings. In section 230(b) of the Communications Act of 1934, as amended (Communications Act or Act), Congress describes its national Internet policy. Specifically, Congress states that it is the policy of the United States “to preserve the vibrant and competitive free market that presently exists for the Internet” and “to promote the continued development of the Internet.” In section 706(a) of the Act, Congress charges the Commission with “encourag[ing] the deployment on a reasonable and timely basis of advanced telecommunications capability” – broadband – “to all Americans.” On September 23, 2005, the Commission released a Policy Statement that offers guidance and insight into its approach to the Internet and broadband that is consistent with these Congressional directives. It announced four principles to encourage broadband deployment and to preserve and promote the open and interconnected nature of the public Internet. [FCC 07-31] On April 16, 2007, the Commission issued a Notice of Inquiry to enhance its understanding of the nature of the market for broadband and related services, and to ask whether network platform providers and others favor or disfavor particular content, how consumers are affected by these policies, and whether consumer choice of broadband providers is sufficient to ensure that all such policies ultimately benefit consumers. The Commission asked for comments on specific examples of beneficial or harmful behavior, and on whether any regulatory intervention is necessary. [FCC 07-151]
To further its review of broadband network management practices, the Commission has conducted en banc hearings, open to the public, to hear from expert panelists on the subject to help the Commission evaluate particular broadband practices and to examine developments in the broadband marketplace. Audio, video and print records from these hearings are available through the links below.
7/1/08 6/17/08 4/22/08 4/17/08 2/25/08 1/14/08 1/14/08 1/14/08 4/16/07 4/16/07 4/16/07 9/23/05 8/5/05 |
last reviewed/updated on August 27, 2008 |
FCC Home | | | Search | | | Updates | | | E-Filing | | | Initiatives | | | For Consumers | | | Find People |
Federal Communications Commission 445 12th Street SW Washington, DC 20554 More FCC Contact Information... |
|
|