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Government
& Public Affairs Update
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Government &
Public Affairs Team
Reginald M. Turner
John
Van Fossen, Practice Group Leader
Lucius A. Vassar
Chris Wagner
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National Debate on Net Neutrality
Heats Up
During a
congressional Federal Communications Commission (FCC) oversight
hearing yesterday, House Energy and Commerce Chairman Henry Waxman
(D-CA) announced his co-sponsorship of H.R. 3458, a net
neutrality bill that would prevent telecommunications and cable
operators from blocking, slowing or charging more for certain traffic
to run on their networks. In the wake of that hearing, FCC
Chairman Julius Genachowski is expected to release a new net
neutrality rule on Monday that would prevent wireless companies from
blocking Internet applications.
The "new rule" is expected to simply provide additional
guidelines for networks in order to clarify that they cannot filter
or block content on their networks. The move is likely to upset
wireless, telecom and cable operators who have fought against
regulations that would give them less control over web traffic.
They have argued that the management of certain traffic and
applications ensures that certain applications do not occupy
significant swaths of bandwidth that would slow access for a portion
of its customers.
In addition, search engine giant Google revealed today that
Apple rejected its Google Voice and mapping applications for the iPhone
earlier this summer. Companies in similar positions such as
Internet voice service Skype have fought for rules that would prevent
carriers from blocking their services.
Regardless of the details emerging from the FCC's announcement on
Monday, it appears that net neutrality is poised to regain its
momentum as an issue of national significance this fall.
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If you have any questions concerning these issues,
please contact Chris Wagner at 202.772.0924 or cwagner@clarkhill.com.
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To find out
more about Clark Hill and our Government & Public Affairs
Practice Group, visit clarkhill.com
or call 800.949.3124
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