Martin Says He'll Steer Clear of Politics

[SOURCE: EETimes, AUTHOR: David Benjamin]
Speaking at the Consumer Electronics Show last week, FCC Chairman Kevin Martin made it clear that it is his job to mediate among a host of contentious participants in a complicated industry while leaving political controversies -- whenever possible -- to politicians and corporate lobbyists. He emphasized that the FCC’s job, in areas that range from broadcast spectrum auctions to broadband deployment and Voice-over-Internet Protocol (VoIP), is to ensure "a level playing field" and prioritize consumer access. "It is critical that consumers have unfettered access to the Internet and all the services it provides," said Chairman Martin. "Washington could be concerned if providers were to block access to information and sites traditionally available on the Internet." He added, however, that broadband providers or broadcasters seeking payment for new, costly, premium or value-added services need not fear FCC interference. In fact, he said, under his leadership, the FCC won't step in to mediate between providers and consumers until it has received direct complaints from consumers.
http://www.eetimes.com/news/latest/showArticle.jhtml;jsessionid=BBIMHPVUZVAJKQSNDBESKHA?articleID=175802469

* FCC Chief Opens Door To Tiered, High-Speed Internet
http://www.njtelecomupdate.com/lenya/telco/live/tb-FBRB1136842420157.html