June 17, 2010
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) today voted to begin taking public comments on rules to govern broadband Internet connections.
Joel Kelsey, policy analyst for Consumers Union, the nonprofit publisher of Consumer Reports magazine, made the following statement after the FCC vote:
“The FCC must have the authority to set broadband policy. Broadband is too important to the U.S. economy to go without public policy that expands access and lowers costs. The FCC has opened a process that allows the public to comment on how we move ahead to ensure broadband can grow and consumers are protected.
“We commend the Commission for moving swiftly to create a new framework for broadband policy, within the boundaries of the Communications Act, by reclassifying broadband services. Consumers Union fully supports the Chairman’s ‘Third Way’ approach, and we encourage the Commission to apply all of the necessary provisions of the Act to protect consumers.
“We look forward to working with the Commission to find the best ways to bring broadband to more Americans in an open, competitive marketplace.”
Media contact: David Butler, Consumers Union, 202-719-5916, dbutler@consumer.org