ISPs fear net neutrality regulation

FCC 'third way' attracts criticism.

Broadband service providers are spitting feathers at the US Federal Communications Commission's (FCC) 'third way' approach to redefine Internet access as a telecoms service.

US companies have come out fighting in reaction to FCC chairman Julius Genachowski's 'third way' proposal. The proposal seeks to re-classify Internet service providers (ISPs) as 'common carrier' services.

US ISPs are opposed to the FCC regulating their management of Internet access networks. Time Warner Cable, AT&T, Verizon Communications and Comcast have all expressed their dismay.

"We are concerned with reclassifying broadband service as a Title II service, which could create regulatory uncertainty that could dampen investment and innovation and ultimately, damage the consumer experience," said Time Warner spokesperson Jeff Simmermon.

Tom Tauke, Verizon's executive vice president of public affairs, policy and communications said the FCC's proposed ruling is legally untenable. "We believe that the chairman's stated approach is legally unsupported. The regulatory and judicial proceedings that will ensue can only bring confusion and delay to the important work of continuing to build the nation's broadband future."

AT&T vice president Jim Cicconi was even more blunt, saying the FCC wanted to police the entire Internet. "Make no mistake ... the FCC is, in fact, and for the first time, regulating the Internet itself. We believe this is without legal basis," he said, as reported at Wired.

Genachowski's proposed Title ll 'common carrier' ruling puts ISPs legally on a par with telecom companies. It would also enable the FCC to enforce tougher net neutrality regulations to stop ISPs from throttling bandwidth to suspected filesharers.