Reuters: FCC's Kennard says consumers should have ISP choice
biz.yahoo.com
FCC's Kennard says consumers should have ISP choice
WASHINGTON, June 22 (Reuters) - Federal Communications Commission Chairman William Kennard said, in the wake of a
court decision that ruled local authorities cannot require AT&T Corp. (NYSE:T - news) to open broadband access to rivals, consumers must have the ability to choose their Internet service provider.
``We share the goal of municipalities that consumers should be able to point, click and choose their Internet service provider,'' Kennard said in a written statement.
The 9th Circuit Court of Appeals concluded that Portland, Ore., could not regulate AT&T's ExciteAtHome cable broadband infrastructure using laws designed to govern traditional cable services.
``Our policies will continue to promote choice among providers for content and conduit, while fostering an environment of investment and innovation,'' he said.
``Today's court decision recognises that Congress established a national framework to govern high-speed Internet access,'' Kennard said.
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Seems like he's trying to satisfy both sides. Consumers deserve choice, nothing specifically about how this would affect broadband providers. |
