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OVERNIGHT TECH: FCC net-neutrality vote set for Dec. 21
FCC keeps net neutrality on December agenda
The Federal Communications Commission released the agenda for next Tuesday's open meeting, and Chairman Julius Genachowski's open Internet proposal remains the headline item. The full agenda:
PUBLIC SAFETY AND HOMELAND SECURITY
Framework for Next Generation 911 Deployment
SUMMARY: The Commission will consider a Notice of Inquiry concerning the transition from the current, voice-only 911 system to a broadband-enabled, next-generation 911 system.
WIRELINE COMPETITION
AND
WIRELESS TELE-COMMUNICATIONS
Preserving the Open Internet (GN Docket No. 09-191); Broadband Industry Practices (WC Docket No. 07-52)
SUMMARY: The Commission will consider a Report and Order adopting basic rules of the road to preserve the open Internet as a platform for innovation, investment, competition, and free expression.
The vote comes even as critics on both the left and the right have been stoking the opposition to the deal. Tuesday evening marks the beginning of the Sunshine Period, during which the five commissioners are meant to reflect on the comments already filed with the FCC with no further public input.
We'll keep an eye out for any additional ex parte filings indicating last-minute meetings between the FCC and stakeholders.
The vote will come down to whether Genachowski can convince fellow Democratic Commissioners Michael Copps and Mignon Clyburn that his proposal is the strongest possible under the current legal framework.
Copps in particular has been vocal about his support for regulating broadband Internet under Title II as a telecom service, while Genachowski prefers Title I. Copps said he would like to see any proposal address wireless broadband as well as restrict managed services and paid prioritization.
If Copps sticks to his guns Genachowski would be forced to strengthen his proposal to ensure it passes a vote. Doing so would only increase the likelihood House Republicans will try to find a legislative response to restrict any attempt to enforce net-neutrality regulations while also scaring away telecom companies who are currently in the chairman's corner.
On the other hand there is serious doubt whether Copps would actually vote no and "blow things up" for the Obama administration, as former FCC chief Michael Powell put it recently. Should Copps swallow his dissent and vote for weaker proposal, net-neutrality advocates fear the new regulations could become locked in and prevent any future attempt at regulating wireless broadband.
For the latest updates on all things FCC and net neutrality, follow us on Twitter.
Assange granted bail, will stay in jail until appeal
WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange has been granted bail by a London court under strict conditions as he continues to fight extradition to Sweden over allegations of rape and molestation.
Assange will remain in jail while Swedish authorities appeal the ruling. Once released he will be under curfew for eight hours a day and required to report to the police daily. He is not permitted to travel abroad and will be forced to wear an electronic tracking device.
Assange faces allegations in Sweden that he had unprotected sex with two young women without their consent; he has said the encounters were consensual and has labeled the affair an international plot to stop WikiLeaks.
Upton names Gary Andres staff director for Energy & Commerce
Incoming House Energy and Commerce Chairman Fred Upton (R-Mich.) announced Tuesday that Gary Andres, a former White House staff member under President George H.W. Bush, will serve as staff director for the committee in the next Congress.
Upton said in his new role, Andres will take a lead role on the Republicans' efforts to repeal the White House's healthcare bill. The GOP is also expected to fight any new climate change regulations, and the committee should serve as ground zero for those confrontations.
Sen. Sanders tells DoJ to block NBC-Comcast merger
Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) wrote to the Department of Justice on Tuesday urging them to block Comcast's proposed acquisition of NBC Universal on the grounds it would damage the media landscape by reducing competition and increasing prices.
Sanders
has been one of the most vocal opponents of the merger, which would
give the nation's largest broadband Internet provider control of one of
the four national broadcast networks as well as a number of studios, TV
channels and local network affiliates.
In his letter, Sanders warned the new entity would possess the incentive to shut out competitors and stifle the markets for video content, cable distribution and online video distribution. Comcast would also have the resources to exploit holes in existing regulations and influence lawmakers to their side, Sanders added.
The digital strategy firm Engage has hired the Web director for the Republican Governors Association (RGA), Erik Rapprich. Rapprich will serve as vice president for product design and strategy.
During his tenure with RGA, Rapprich built 38 websites in 20 states in 5 months, according to Engage. Before that, he ran his own firm, Ethos Digital, for five years.
Engage is one of the leading firms for conservative candidates. Major clients have included Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell and Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty, among others.
Can't-miss news
The Consumer Electronics Association plans to push Congress to develop a national policy on recycling of electronic waste.
DIRECTV reached a settlement with all 50 states over consumer complaints — $14.25 million for court costs plus an undetermined amount for restitution to consumers.
IBM supercomputer “Watson” will face the two most successful players in “Jeopardy” history in three episodes that will be broadcast in February 2011.
The government's crackdown on online piracy has shut down some popular music blogs.
Yahoo is cutting 600 jobs, about four percent of its workforce.
The government may not have the right to ban feds from viewing WikiLeaks at home.
Dell buying data storage firm Compellent is the latest move in a hot market for enterprise services firms.
Appeals court rules feds need a warrant for e-mails.
Said
"To summarize, he [Assange] begins by describing a state like the US as essentially an authoritarian conspiracy, and then reasons that the practical strategy for combating that conspiracy is to degrade its ability to conspire, to hinder its ability to “think” as a conspiratorial mind. The metaphor of a computing network is mostly implicit, but utterly crucial: he seeks to oppose the power of the state by treating it like a computer and tossing sand in its diodes."
—Blogger zunguzungu, aka Aaron Bady, whose widely-quoted close reading of a 2006 essay by WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange has made him a Web celebrity.
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