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Committee Releases Draft Broadband Legislation
[September 15, 2005]

Committee Releases Draft Broadband Legislation


By TED GLANZER
TMCnet Communications and Broadband Columnist
 
The House Energy and Commerce Committee on Thursday released staff discussion legislation designed to encourage the improvement of broadband networks, spur growth in the technology industry and develop advanced services for consumers.


 
"The Telecommunications Act of 1996 spurred the development of telephone competition, but not one could have foreseen the magnitude of the challenges and opportunities that the Internet age has presented," said Chairman Joe Barton (R-Texas). 

 
A summary of the staff discussion draft, which was released by Barton, Chip Pickering (R-Miss.), Fred Upton (R-Mich.), John Dingell (D-Mich.) and Ed Markey (D-Mass.), includes the following:
 
• A common definition for broadband Internet services (BITS), which includes DSL, cable modems, and other broadband services;
 
• A network neutrality approach to prevent broadband providers from blocking subscriber access to lawful content;
 
• Authorizes the FCC to determine that VoIP can be required to contribute to the USF;
 
• A uniform regulatory framework for broadband providers, VoIP and broadband video providers, except where local and state regulations apply, such as public rights of way;
 
• A streamlined video franchise process for IPTV providers;
 
• Permits municipalities to offer broadband, VoIP and IPTV services, provided that they do not provide special treatment for the services and they comply with all regulations governing private-sector providers; and
 
• Ensures that all VoIP subscribers have access to 911 emergency service.
 
The committee draft conflicts with the proposed Broadband Investment and Consumer Choice Act sponsored by Sen. John Ensign (R-Nev.) in several areas, particularly with regard to municipal broadband.
 
Industry reaction was swift.
 
"We commend the staff for their hard work in putting together this comprehensive draft," said Earl W. Comstock, president and CEO of CompTel, which is a U.S. industry association representing competitive communications carriers.  "This document will quickly become the focus of discussion in the debate over possible modifications to our nation's communications laws.  We are actively reviewing the draft, and we look forward to working with all Members of Congress and their staffs to help craft legislation that can be introduced."
 
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Ted Glanzer is assistant editor for TMCnet. For more articles by Ted Glanzer, please visit:
 
 

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