Today, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) voted to begin the process of revisiting whether internet access services should be classified as “information services” or “telecommunications services” as defined by the Telecom Act. From its inception, and throughout Republican and Democratic Administrations, internet access was treated as an information service. It was this light touch approach…
Read More Returning to Sound Policy and Restoring Internet FreedomJoan Marsh Posts
The Real Debate Over The Open Internet
Yesterday, Chairman Pai announced that he would open a proceeding to revisit the question of whether Congress directed the FCC to regulate the internet using the regulatory framework adopted in 1934 for the monopoly-era telephone networks. To be clear, this proceeding is not about whether the open internet will continue to be protected and preserved….
Read More The Real Debate Over The Open InternetNew Coat of Paint
Don’t worry – you’ve come to the right place. This is still the AT&T Public Policy Blog, a home for our thoughts on government policies and how they impact and shape the communications industry. We just decided we needed a new look. It’s been a little over seven years since we launched our blog. And…
Read More New Coat of PaintDelivering on the Broadband Promise to All Americans
If last week’s House Communications and Technology Subcommittee hearing on broadband infrastructure is any measure, there appears to be growing consensus that any new infrastructure bill should include dollars for broadband – arguably the most essential infrastructure for American progress and productivity. As Chairman Blackburn observed, “we are all tired of hearing stories about parents…
Read More Delivering on the Broadband Promise to All AmericansWalking in L.A.
When I was a student at UCLA, my car (that was uninsured for theft) was stolen. I suddenly found myself without basic transportation in Los Angeles. The logistics of getting to school and work became quite challenging, forget about attempting a doctor’s appointment or a social event. I became a slave to bus schedules and…
Read More Walking in L.A.FCC Reform: Let’s Start With the Enforcement Bureau
FCC reform is a topic of much discussion these days. Indeed, Chairman Pai has already initiated some important process reforms and we anticipate that more are coming. Clearer and more transparent processes will lead to better regulatory results. We have also been contemplating reform and will, from time to time, be posting our ideas for regulatory…
Read More FCC Reform: Let’s Start With the Enforcement BureauLeaning Toward the IP Future
Three years ago, AT&T commenced two technology transition trials with the goal of identifying and resolving operational, technical, and public policy issues associated with migrating legacy TDM services to an IP future. Now, three years later, AT&T has achieved many of the goals it established for the trials: the trials accelerated and increased the dialogue…
Read More Leaning Toward the IP FutureMaking Access to Broadband A Reality for Low-Income Americans
AT&T has long supported universal access to broadband for all Americans. And through our Access from AT&T low cost broadband program, we are making broadband a reality for low-income consumers for $10 a month or less. We believe that, at this time, Access from AT&T is a better way for AT&T to address broadband adoption than…
Read More Making Access to Broadband A Reality for Low-Income AmericansBDS Reform: Winners and Losers
Yesterday, Chairman Walden cautioned the FCC that instituting new regulations at this time is unnecessary, unwanted and unfair. Yet next week, the FCC plans to vote on the sweeping nationwide re-regulation of TDM-based transport and access services. The FCC’s proposal, as outlined in the Business Data Services (BDS) Fact Sheet released some weeks ago, picks…
Read More BDS Reform: Winners and LosersMaking Mobility Fund II Work
As part of the Connect America Fund (CAF), the FCC created the Mobility Fund – a universal service support mechanism dedicated exclusively to mobile services – and in 2012 held the first Mobility Fund (MFI) auction. Since that time, the FCC has gained substantial experience with other CAF programs, including CAF I and II. So,…
Read More Making Mobility Fund II Work